This match marks a significant milestone for Canelo. It's his first professional fight outside the United States or Mexico. The event will take place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, a venue that can hold between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators. The arena boasts a retractable roof and a four-sided screen, promising a state-of-the-art experience for fight fans.
Fight night will start at 21:00 in Mexico, which translates to 06:00 the next day in Saudi Arabia. This timing ensures prime viewing hours for Canelo's Mexican fanbase while accommodating the local Saudi audience.
Canelo's last fight was on September 14, 2024, where he defeated Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas. Since then, he's made waves in the boxing world by signing a massive $400 million contract with Sheikh Turki Alalshikh in February 2025. This deal commits Canelo to four fights, kicking off with the May 3 bout in Saudi Arabia.
The contract lays out an ambitious schedule for Canelo. After the Riyadh fight, he'll return to Las Vegas on September 13 for a Mexican Independence Day celebration bout. In 2026, he'll fight twice in Mexico, with dates set for February and October.
Canelo's career stats are impressive. He's racked up 62 wins (39 by knockout), 2 losses, and 2 draws in 66 fights. His last defeat came on May 7, 2022, against Dmitry Bivol. Since then, Canelo has been on a winning streak, cementing his status as one of boxing's top pound-for-pound fighters.
As Canelo prepares to face William Scull, all eyes will be on Riyadh. This fight not only showcases Canelo's global appeal but also highlights Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the world of boxing.