Mauricio Sulaiman, the President of the World Boxing Council, didn't hold back when he talked about the match. He said the fight was a letdown, especially given how much people looked forward to it.
Sulaiman had harsh words for Scull's performance. He said:
"It was disappointing the attitude of Scull, really when you're there you're watching it, on television you can also see, but when you're there, stuck to the ring how he shamefully refused, not even the exchange of any way, it was shameful dances, side steps backwards"
According to Sulaiman, Scull didn't want to fight. He just tried to stay alive in the ring, not win. This led to very little action during the bout.
Canelo's performance also came under scrutiny. Sulaiman pointed out several factors that might have affected the Mexican champion. These included fighting far from home, the lack of his usual fan support, and the heavy air and altitude in Saudi Arabia.
"In Saul's case, I think it did have an important effect having fought in Saudi Arabia, a place so far from home, where the altitude and the air is very heavy, there were no people, the motivation that your audience gives you was not there"
The atmosphere at the event felt empty, which Sulaiman believes impacted Canelo's motivation. He added:
"I feel that Saul did not have that extra motivation, necessary, he did enough to win against a guy who refuses to fight, he has a lot of experience, he does not need to do other things, it was an event that left a sad touch in boxing."
Overall, Sulaiman saw the fight as disappointing and embarrassing for boxing. While Canelo added another achievement to his record, the match itself failed to live up to expectations, leaving fans and officials wanting more from such a high-profile event.