Boxing Match Preview: Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) vs William Scull (23-0-0, 9 KOs)
The highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight championship bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight will determine the undisputed champion at 168 pounds, with Alvarez holding the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, while Scull enters as the IBF champion.
Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Broadcast: DAZN PPV
- Titles at Stake: WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF Super Middleweight Championships
Fighter Profiles
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) – Mexico
Canelo Alvarez, one of boxing’s biggest stars, is looking to reclaim his undisputed super middleweight status after previously holding all four belts from November 2021 to October 2024. He vacated the IBF title rather than face Scull, who later won the belt against Vladimir Shishkin.
Key Strengths:
- Elite Counterpunching – Alvarez is known for his ability to time opponents and land devastating counter shots.
- Body Work & Power – His 39 career knockouts showcase his ability to break down opponents with precision.
- Experience & Championship Pedigree – Alvarez has fought and defeated elite competition, including Gennadiy Golovkin, Caleb Plant, and Billy Joe Saunders.
Key Weaknesses:
- Struggles Against Taller Fighters – Alvarez has had difficulty against longer opponents like Dmitry Bivol, who used reach and volume to neutralize his power.
- Recent Activity – While still dominant, Alvarez has not scored a stoppage victory since 2021, relying more on decision wins.
William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) – Cuba
Scull, a Cuban-born fighter based in Germany, enters as the IBF champion after defeating Vladimir Shishkin in October 2024. He remains undefeated, but this will be his biggest test to date against one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best.
Key Strengths:
- Height & Reach Advantage – Scull stands four inches taller than Alvarez and has a three-inch reach advantage, which could help him control distance.
- Defensive Footwork – He is a low-risk, defense-first boxer, which could frustrate Alvarez early.
- Undefeated Record – While untested at the elite level, Scull has never tasted defeat in his professional career.
Key Weaknesses:
- Lack of Power – With only nine knockouts in 23 fights, Scull does not possess the same finishing ability as Alvarez.
- Limited Experience Against Elite Fighters – Scull has yet to face a top-tier opponent, making this a massive step up in competition.
Fight Breakdown & Prediction
This matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash—Alvarez will look to pressure and counter, while Scull will likely use his reach and movement to frustrate Canelo.
Key Factors:
- Alvarez’s Power & Efficiency – If he can time Scull’s offense and land counter shots, he could take control early.
- Scull’s Jab & Distance Control – If Scull can keep Alvarez at bay and avoid exchanges, he may have a chance to pull off an upset.
- Early Rounds & Confidence – If Scull wins the opening rounds, it could make the fight more competitive than expected.
FIGHT ODDS
Canelo Alvarez – 4000
William Scull + 1500
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
