In an unexpected turn of events, Canelo Alvarez, the celebrated Mexican boxer, has set his sights on IBF super middleweight champion William Scull for a potential matchup in May. This fight, scheduled to coincide with the Mexican tradition of celebrating the Cinco de Mayo weekend, presents a compelling opportunity for Alvarez to reclaim his IBF title and solidify his status as a two-time, four-belt champion. With a current professional record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, along with 39 knockouts, Alvarez’s pursuit of Scull at this critical juncture raises eyebrows in the boxing community, particularly given the previous speculation surrounding a potential bout with Terence Crawford.
Only a short time ago, the buzz in boxing circles hinted at a high-profile clash between Alvarez and Crawford, a matchup that many fans yearned for. However, those reports have turned out to be false. Instead, Alvarez appears ready to transition from those high-stakes ambitions to a more strategic approach, targeting Scull—an undefeated fighter from Germany with a record of 23 wins and 9 knockouts. Scull recently captured the IBF title on October 19, defeating Vladimir Shishkin in a 12-round match that was marked by controversy regarding the decision. Although some people questioned the outcome due to the nature of the fight, it nonetheless underscored Scull’s capability as a formidable opponent.
Die-hard boxing fans on social media have had mixed reactions to the potential Canelo vs. Scull fight, with many expressing disappointment that Alvarez won’t be facing Crawford. This sentiment highlights a significant aspect of modern boxing: the importance of commercial viability and fan draw. Crawford’s appeal, although solid among hardcore boxing enthusiasts, falls short when it comes to attracting mainstream audiences. It’s worth noting that his pay-per-view drawing power has been lackluster, as indicated by his recent fight against Israil Madrimov, which struggled to secure significant pay-per-view buys between 75,000 and 100,000. In contrast, access to key titles and big-name fighters often drives ticket sales and PPV buys, leading to Alvarez’s calculated decision to potentially focus on a fight with Scull.
As the discussions between Canelo Alvarez’s and William Scull’s teams continue, an official meeting is scheduled for January 10 to finalize arrangements. Scull has stated that other potential opponents were also considered, including Edgar Berlanga and Christian Mbilli, but those opportunities were sidelined due to financial constraints. The next steps are critical not only for the careers of both boxers but also for the direction of the super middleweight division.
While some fans may be disappointed with the shift away from a marquee fight with Crawford, this potential matchup with Scull allows Alvarez to reinstate his dominance in the ring and chase the elusive status of an undisputed champion in the current boxing landscape. As boxing evolves, the intricate dance between fighter selection and fan expectations will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s future.