Saul Canelo Alvarez delivered a strong message in the lead-up to the highly anticipated bout against Cuban William Scull: “The only thing that will be eaten on Saturday will be my right fist”.
The 34-year-old Mexican boxer comes into the bout at the ANB Arena in Riyadh as the unified super middleweight world champion of the WBC, WBA and WBO. In contrast, Scull, who holds the IBF belt, has never been defeated and is looking to consolidate his dominance in the division. This bout marks the beginning of Canelo’s four-fight million-dollar contract with a Saudi promoter, and represents his debut outside of North America as a professional.
A pending story
In 2024, Canelo Alvarez lost the IBF title by refusing to face William Scull, who instead defeated Russia’s Vladimir Shishkin by unanimous decision to become champion.
This generated criticism towards the Mexican, especially for having opted for another rival: the Puerto Rican Edgar Berlanga.
Este combate marca el inicio del millonario contrato de cuatro peleas que Canelo firmó con una promotora saudí
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Now, although no official unification is at stake, the fight has a strong symbolic and media significance.
For many fans, it is a chance to close an unfinished chapter in top-level boxing.
Crossed words
Buzzy
During the pre-fight press conference, Canelo Alvarez assured that he is in his best shape and affirmed that Scull “will feel the difference when he steps into the ring”.
The Cuban, for his part, defended his origin and his strategic style:
“I fled Cuba, I crossed borders and now I’m here to win. I don’t care what they say about me. I will fight calmly and with strategy.”
Scull will turn 33 in June, has an undefeated record of 23-0 (9 KO) and poses a real threat to Canelo Alvarez.
The Mexican, with 62 wins (39 KOs), 2 draws and 2 losses, is looking to reaffirm his legacy as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his generation.
The fight generates great interest among the Hispanic community in the U.S., where Canelo continues to be an admired figure and a symbol of national pride.
The fight will be broadcast live on international digital platforms and is considered one of the most important in the 2025 boxing calendar.
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