Unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, with an impressive record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, is set to face off against the IBF champion William Scull on May 3rd in Riyadh. The anticipation surrounding this fight has sparked discussions about Canelo’s career trajectory and the path he is choosing as he approaches the twilight of his boxing journey. Scull, with a record of 23 wins and no losses, may be seen as an underdog in this matchup. Many boxing analysts and fans appear to consider him an opponent lacking the caliber typically associated with someone standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a champion like Alvarez.
Canelo’s decision to face Scull raises eyebrows, especially given Scull’s relatively modest accomplishments compared to the elite fighters in the division. The argument can be made that this bout feels more like a formality than a true test of Canelo’s skills. This has led to the sentiment that Alvarez is in the midst of what some are calling a “retirement tour,” instead of actively pursuing high-stakes boxing encounters against fierce rivals. Beyond Scull, the boxing community is buzzing about potential future conflicts against notable figures like Terence Crawford and the victor of the anticipated Chris Eubank Jr. versus Conor Benn match. Yet, fans are clamoring for Canelo to square off against tougher contenders such as David Benavidez or Dmitry Bivol.
Oscar De La Hoya, a legendary figure in boxing and an influential promoter, openly expresses concerns regarding Canelo’s choice of opponents. He recently stated to Fight Hub TV, “Canelo, what are you doing? People want to see big fights.” His words resonate with many who believe that fans deserve spectacles, especially as Canelo arguably enters the final phase of his illustrious career. De La Hoya emphasizes that now is the time for Canelo to deliver thrilling matchups and leave a legacy that fans will remember for years to come. The argument leans heavily on the idea of not only securing victories but ensuring that the challenges faced in the ring are significant and memorable.
As Canelo approaches this fight, critical questions loom large. Will he be remembered as a champion who faced the best of his era, or will fans look back and wonder why he sidestepped potential classic bouts like one against Benavidez? It is a compelling dilemma, suggesting that champions not only bear the weight of their records but also of their choices. Canelo stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential to either elevate his storied career through face-offs against top-tier fighters or risk being viewed as a champion who settled for easier roads in a sport that continuously demands greatness.
Ultimately, as the fight with Scull approaches, the discourse surrounding Canelo Alvarez reveals a boxing icon at a critical juncture. His decisions in the coming months will not only define his legacy but will also determine how history remembers his remarkable contributions to the sport. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping that Alvarez, already a celebrated figure in boxing, chooses to embrace the challenges that await him rather than opting for safer pathways in his storied yet evolving career.