In a much-anticipated bout that left fans wanting more, Canelo Alvarez faced off against William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 4, 2025. The fight, which marked Alvarez’s first engagement outside of Mexico and the United States, concluded with a unanimous decision victory for Alvarez, securing scorecards of 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109. However, the performance was far from dazzling, leading many to question the current trajectory of the boxing superstar as he prepares for an upcoming showdown with Terence Crawford on September 12, 2025. Outfitted as the WBC, WBO, and WBA champion, Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) entered the ring with heavy expectations, hoping to regain the momentum that had propelled him through a series of successful defenses following his historic unification of the super middleweight titles in November 2021. In that bout, Alvarez had achieved a spectacular 11-round TKO against Caleb Plant, a highlight in an already illustrious career. In contrast, his fight against Scull was characterized by a lack of significant action, with Alvarez struggling to connect with impactful punches against his elusive opponent.
William Scull (23-1, 9 KOs), stepping into the ring for his first title defense after a contentious victory over Vladimir Shishkin for the vacant IBF title, showcased his agility and strategic movement. While Alvarez’s championship experience was expected to dominate the bout, Scull’s mobility proved to be a formidable hurdle. The fight unfolded with Alvarez adopting a more cautious approach, attempting to close the distance but ultimately unable to mount a memorable offense. This underwhelming display left much of the audience disengaged, as Alvarez seemed unable to tap into his renowned fighting spirit.
The co-main event featured Badou Jack, who defended his WBC cruiserweight title with a majority decision victory over Norair Mikaeljan. Jack’s performance balanced the night somewhat, but for fans tuning in to see boxing’s premier star, the spotlight inevitably returned to Alvarez. As discussions of his next matchup against Crawford gather steam, critics and fans alike are left to ponder whether Alvarez can rekindle the fire and urgency that had marked his previous periods of dominance.
With an eye on the upcoming fight with Crawford—considered a must-see clash amid the boxing world—many are hopeful that Alvarez will shake off this lackluster showing and return to form. The anticipation for that bout is palpable, and it remains to be seen whether Alvarez can rise to the occasion, capture the imagination of the fans, and alleviate any doubts about his capacity to still perform at an elite level.
In conclusion, while Canelo Alvarez’s victory over William Scull granted him another notch on his championship belt, it also raised questions about his current prowess in the ring. With a marquee matchup against Terence Crawford looming on the horizon, the boxing world will be watching keenly to see if Alvarez can reclaim his status as the force he once was.
