Canelo, with a record of 62-2-2 and 39 KOs, faces new challenges in this bout. He'll step into the ring at 6 AM local time, a significant adjustment for the 34-year-old champion. To prepare, Alvarez arrived in Saudi Arabia three weeks before the fight and has been training at 4 AM.
"The first day I felt very tired," Canelo said. "I train at four in the morning, I'm professional and I know how to work. I train my body for that. They say that in 20 days, the body adapts to anything, so I'm ready."
This fight marks Canelo's first in Saudi Arabia, only the third country he's fought in after Mexico and the United States. "This is something new, but for me it's a dream come true," he shared.
His opponent, William Scull, holds the IBF super middleweight title and boasts an undefeated record of 23-0 with 9 KOs. However, Scull's career pales in comparison to Canelo's extensive experience.
Looking ahead, Canelo has his sights set on potential fights with Crawford in September in Las Vegas, and possibly Eubank Jr in London.
"I have always dreamed of fighting in London and also in Japan, at the Tokyo Dome. But I think London is a closer possibility right now."
Canelo's Saudi Arabia appearance is part of a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh. He's also involved in TKO Boxing promotions with Dana White.
"I'm excited to work with them. I like Dana White and I like Nick Khan [president of WWE] and TKO. For me, it's something new. I'm very excited. I don't know how White can make boxing better. He's very focused on working and being very good at what he does in the UFC, I think we're going to have a good time with him."
The unusual local fight time accommodates the North American broadcast schedule. Despite the challenges, Canelo remains the favorite to retain his titles.