Canelo Alvarez won a unanimous decision over William Scull in Riyadh on Saturday night, reclaiming his super middleweight title. The fight didn't live up to expectations, with both fighters starting slow and gradually picking up the pace.
Alvarez approached the fight cautiously, calculating his moves and landing effective shots. Scull focused on survival, moving around the ring without taking many risks. The referee had to step in twice to urge the fighters to engage more actively.
Canelo zeroed in on Scull's body, landing powerful shots to the liver and ribs. While Scull threw more punches, his accuracy left much to be desired. His lack of initiative prevented him from creating meaningful opportunities.
By the end of the fight, Alvarez had regained his super middleweight title, while Scull lost his IBF belt and came away empty-handed.
This victory comes at a time when Canelo faces growing criticism for his recent performances. The Mexican superstar hasn't scored a knockout in nearly four years, a stark contrast to his earlier career. In his first 36 fights, Canelo racked up 26 knockouts, though many view this period as a learning curve rather than a true test of elite boxing.
Canelo's championship era, from his first title win to his knockout of Caleb Plant in 2021, showcased his exceptional versatility. During this time, he moved up from 154 to 175 pounds, demonstrating unexpected knockout power in heavier divisions. His record in this period stood at 21 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, with 14 knockouts - a 67% knockout rate.
"Canelo established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his era during this time," said boxing analyst Mike Costello. "His ability to adapt and dominate across weight classes was truly remarkable."
However, Canelo's current style shows a fighter less willing to take risks, preferring to win by decision. This shift has led to increased scrutiny from fans and media alike.
Looking ahead, Canelo's next challenge looms large. He's set to face Terence Crawford on September 12th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Crawford, known for his speed and technical skills, will present a formidable test for the Mexican champion.
"The Crawford fight will be crucial for Canelo's legacy," said boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. "A convincing win could silence his critics and reaffirm his status as one of the sport's elite."
As Canelo prepares for this high-stakes bout, the boxing world waits to see if he can recapture the knockout power that defined his earlier career or if he'll continue his recent trend of calculated, decision-based victories.
