Alvarez Aims for Showdown with Crawford Following Victory

RIYADH: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez reaffirmed his dominance in the super middleweight division by securing a decisive win against the previously undefeated William Scull on Sunday. This victory allowed Alvarez to reclaim the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles.

Despite Scull’s advantage in height, Alvarez’s persistent attacks to the body were ultimately too much for the Cuban boxer, who experienced the first defeat of his professional career. The judges’ scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109, all in favor of the Mexican champion.

“I found it to be a tedious fight,” Alvarez commented after the match. “Scull wasn’t trying to secure a win but rather trying to survive. I dislike these kinds of matches.”

Alvarez had previously been relieved of the IBF title due to his choice to compete against Edgar Berlanga instead of the mandatory challenger, Scull.

However, Sunday’s triumph has re-established his position as the undisputed champion in the 168-pound weight class.

Scull’s agile footwork posed minimal problems for Alvarez in the initial rounds. The Mexican fighter intensified his pressure in the second and fourth rounds and relentlessly pursued his opponent in the fifth.

Scull countered with brief moments of brilliance, including a notable right uppercut that penetrated Alvarez’s defenses, briefly pushing him back.

However, Alvarez regained command during the middle rounds, persistently targeting Scull’s body in the seventh round and landing a forceful left hook in the eighth.

In total, Alvarez landed 40 body shots compared to Scull’s mere six, securing the 63rd victory of his career.

Following the match, Alvarez challenged the undefeated former welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, to a potential high-profile contest in September.

“Crawford is among the best fighters today,” Alvarez stated. “I enjoy sharing the ring with fighters of his caliber. It would be a pleasure.”

Crawford, who achieved undisputed welterweight champion status by defeating Errol Spence Jr. in 2023, has confirmed his readiness for the challenge.

“In September, I intend to demonstrate true greatness to the world,” Crawford proclaimed.