Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull: A Detailed Analysis
The boxing world was abuzz with anticipation as Canelo Alvarez and William Scull clashed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the undisputed super middleweight title. This fight, broadcasted live on DAZN PPV, marked a significant moment in Canelo’s career as it was his first bout outside of Mexico and the U.S. The event set the stage for an even more monumental showdown in September against Terence Crawford. Let’s delve into the details of this historic fight.
The Build-Up
Canelo Alvarez, the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO champion, was stripped of his IBF title last fall for choosing to fight Edgar Berlanga instead of defending against Scull. This decision paved the way for William Scull to secure the IBF title by outpointing Vladimir Shishkin. The stage was set for a unification bout that would determine the undisputed super middleweight champion.
The Fight
The main event kicked off with Canelo Alvarez and William Scull stepping into the ring at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. The fight was broadcasted live, with the pay-per-view starting at 5:45 p.m. ET. The atmosphere was electric, and fans worldwide tuned in to witness the clash of titans.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
The fight was a tactical battle from the start. Canelo, known for his power and precision, struggled to connect with Scull, who was elusive and defensive. Scull’s jab was effective, but Canelo’s body shots and hooks kept the pressure on. The rounds were closely contested, with both fighters having moments of dominance.
In the eighth round, Canelo landed a significant left hook and a body shot in the corner, showcasing his experience and ring IQ. Despite Scull’s efforts, Canelo’s superior technique and power were evident throughout the fight.
The Scorecards
The judges’ scorecards reflected the close nature of the fight, with Canelo securing a unanimous decision. The scores were 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109 in favor of Canelo. The wide margin in the third scorecard was a surprise, but it underscored Canelo’s dominance in key moments.
The Aftermath
With the victory, Canelo Alvarez became the undisputed super middleweight champion for the second time in his career. The win also set the stage for an epic showdown against Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The boxing world is already buzzing with excitement about this potential fight of the year.
The Crawford Showdown
The announcement of the Crawford fight was met with enthusiasm from fans and analysts alike. Sergio Mora, a renowned boxing analyst, described the matchup as “fantastic,” highlighting the contrast between Crawford’s speed and switch-hitting ability and Canelo’s power and experience. This fight promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the sport’s greatest pound-for-pound fighters.
Conclusion
A New Chapter
The Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull fight was a pivotal moment in the careers of both fighters. For Canelo, it was a step towards cementing his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. For Scull, it was a chance to prove himself on the world stage. The fight may not have been a classic, but it served its purpose in setting the stage for an even bigger showdown.
As the boxing world looks ahead to the Crawford fight, the excitement is palpable. Canelo Alvarez has once again proven his worth, and the stage is set for another historic night in the ring. The journey of Canelo Alvarez continues, and fans worldwide are eager to see what the future holds for this boxing legend.