Canelo Alvarez will put his three super middleweight titles on the line against William Scull on May 3rd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This undisputed 168-pound clash, staged by Turki Al-Sheikh, seeks to unify Canelo’s WBA, WBC, and WBO belts with Scull’s IBF strap.
For many U.S. fans, Scull remains a relative unknown, remembered mostly for his contentious win over Vladimir Shishkin. Critics argue this fight lacks the sizzle typically associated with a Canelo headliner, especially considering that it kicks off a four-fight deal meant to build toward a "big fight" against Terence Crawford on September 13th in Las Vegas. On paper, Scull’s resume and recent performances haven’t captured widespread attention, leading some to label this bout a "dud."
There’s been a call from part of the boxing community for Canelo to face more dangerous opposition - fighters like David Benavidez, David Morrell, or even Artur Beterbiev. But with the Crawford bout looming, it seems Canelo wants to reclaim the IBF and secure full undisputed status first. The perception is that a clean sweep of the 168-pound division could give the Crawford fight even more market appeal, despite the criticism that Crawford’s size might not measure up to Canelo's.
Whether Scull is truly out of his depth or simply an underappreciated competitor, the reality is that Canelo’s name alone guarantees a high-profile event. We all will be watching closely to see if this initial clash under Turki Al-Sheikh’s banner sets a thrilling tone - or if it confirms the doubts of those who believe the real danger lies with the other champions waiting in the wings.
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