Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, stepped into the ring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a historic fight—his first outside of Mexico and the US. This Saturday night’s bout against William Scull promised a thrilling spectacle, and the anticipation was palpable. Alvarez, with his impressive record of 62-2-2 and 39 KOs, aimed to solidify his dominance and claim the undisputed championship at 168 pounds for a second time. A victory would set the stage for a highly anticipated September clash with Terence Crawford.
Alvarez’s path to this fight wasn’t without its twists. He previously unified all four major super middleweight titles with a decisive 11-round TKO over Caleb Plant in November 2021. However, a subsequent decision to face Edgar Berlanga instead of the mandatory challenger, Scull, led to the IBF stripping him of his title. Now, he had the chance to reclaim his undisputed status.
Scull, undefeated at 23-0 with 9 KOs, entered the ring with confidence after a controversial unanimous decision victory over Vladimir Shishkin in October. This fight marked his first title defense, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The pressure was immense, facing a legend like Alvarez in his debut title defense.
The undercard also featured a compelling matchup: Badou Jack, defending his WBC cruiserweight title against Norair Mikaeljan. Jack, making his first appearance in two years, sought to extend his winning streak after a 12th-round TKO victory over Ilunga Junior Makabu. His opponent, Mikaeljan, a former WBC champion in recess, possessed a four-fight winning streak, making this a crucial fight for both contenders.
The event unfolded with a series of intense and exciting matches. The main event, of course, saw Canelo Alvarez put on a show, showcasing his skill and determination in a dominant victory. The undercard also delivered, with close fights and unexpected upsets. Details on the specific results and round-by-round analysis will be added as soon as they’re available.
Overall, the night was a testament to the power and passion of championship boxing, offering an unforgettable spectacle for fans around the world. This event marked a significant moment in boxing history, and the legacy of Canelo Alvarez continues to grow.
