Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez secured a unanimous decision victory over William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reclaiming his undisputed super middleweight title. The win, however, left a bitter taste in the boxing world.
The match failed to deliver the excitement fans hoped for. Scull adopted a defensive strategy, constantly moving and evading Canelo's attacks. The Mexican champion struggled to land significant punches, appearing ineffective against his elusive Cuban opponent.
Claressa Shields, observing the fight, noted Scull's impressive defense. She said:
"I'm not going to lie! Scull's defense has been impeccable! Canelo tries to nail him on the cross and keeps missing!"
The lackluster performance drew criticism from various quarters. Jake Paul, who's been linked to a potential future bout with Canelo, called the fight "embarrassing" on his social media account. Even legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, commentating for TV Azteca, couldn't hide his annoyance, expressing his frustration on air.
Despite the underwhelming main event, the evening ended with a surprising announcement. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh took to the ring to reveal a blockbuster matchup. Canelo will face Terence Crawford on September 12 in Las Vegas, putting his newly reclaimed undisputed super middleweight title on the line.
This upcoming fight promises to be a significant test for Canelo. Crawford, known for his skill and versatility, will look to capitalize on any weaknesses exposed in Canelo's recent performance. The bout has already generated buzz in the boxing community, with fans hoping it will deliver the excitement that was lacking in the Scull fight.
As Canelo prepares for this next challenge, he'll need to address the issues that surfaced in Riyadh. His inability to cut off the ring and land clean shots on a defensive opponent could be a concern against a tactician like Crawford.
The September showdown in Las Vegas now looms large on the boxing calendar. It offers Canelo a chance to silence his critics and reassert his dominance in the sport. For Crawford, it's an opportunity to add another impressive name to his already stellar resume.
