In an evening that promised excitement, boxing fans in Brandenburg, Germany were treated to a match that ultimately fell short of expectations. William Scull faced off against Vladimir Shishkin in a 12-round bout for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight championship. The encounter culminated in a close unanimous decision victory for Scull, whose records now stand at an impressive 23 wins and no losses, albeit with only 9 knockouts to his name. The judges’ scores—116-113, 116-112, and 115-113—reflect a contest that hinged on narrow margins rather than decisive actions. In contrast, Shishkin’s record now reads 16 wins and 1 loss, a stark reminder of the fine line between victory and defeat in professional boxing.
Despite celebrating the new champion’s title acquisition, the reality of the fight leaves many questioning Scull’s potential to challenge Canelo Alvarez, the reigning figure of the super middleweight division. Just prior to stepping into the ring, Scull had the audacity to declare his intention to take on Alvarez, referring to him rather dismissively as the “ginger one.” However, given the unremarkable performance, it seems doubtful that boxing fans, pundits, or Alvarez himself would champion a matchup in the near future. The fight only came alive in the final round when Shishkin landed a significant blow, momentarily turning the tide and adding a hint of drama to an otherwise tedious affair.
With the IBF belt now around his waist, the question remains: how long can Scull maintain his reign? The IBF is known for its prompt mandates regarding title defenses, and it won’t be long before Scull finds himself facing a challenger. The boxing world is rife with potential candidates, yet the urgency to see Scull engage in a riveting bout is not palpable. There’s speculation that Scull may need to rethink his strategies and performance style to muster the support necessary for a solid title defense, not only against an official challenger but also in the eyes of fans.
For Canelo, the landscape appears more focused on significant matchups against more formidable opponents, most notably David Benavidez, a contest that excites the boxing community but remains elusive. Canelo’s decision-making prowess in choosing his opponents, especially for the key Cinco de Mayo date, has only heightened speculation about what lies ahead. Undoubtedly, as a pay-per-view draw, Canelo has the luxury of selective matchups, leaving lesser-known contenders like Scull in a precarious position. The boxing fanbase is eager for high-stakes matchups, and Scull’s lackluster showing means that he might need to recalibrate his ambitions—at least until his next fight.
While it is commendable that William Scull has claimed the IBF super middleweight title, the path ahead appears fraught with challenges. Without thrilling performances that capture the imagination of fans, retaining his championship will pose a significant hurdle. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez continues to bask in the limelight, leaving aspiring fighters in his wake. As the boxing community awaits Scull’s next move, the urgency to witness compelling bouts remains unquenched, leaving many to wonder just how long the new champion will hold onto his belt.