Canelo Álvarez Unifies Super Middleweight Titles With Dominant Win Over William Scull
Canelo Álvarez: Unstoppable Force at Super Middleweight
Just when you think Saúl ‘Canelo Álvarez’ can’t raise the bar any higher, he finds a way. On May 4, 2025, inside the high-voltage ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Canelo carved out another chapter in his storied career. He didn’t just beat William Scull—he unified all four major super middleweight titles, grabbing the IBF belt from the previously unbeaten Cuban in a fight that turned into a showcase of Canelo’s grit and tactical mastery.
The judges didn’t hesitate: 115-113, 116-112, and a wide 119-109—it was Canelo all the way. These numbers tell a story. Scull came into the ring unbeaten, thirteen years younger, and eager to upset one of boxing’s living legends. The Cuban champion had never lost, holding on to the IBF title and a spotless 23-0 record. But Canelo’s pressure left little room for fairy tales. He controlled the center, forced Scull to circle, and found ways to slice through his guard with crisp, pinpoint combinations.
How Canelo Broke Through Scull’s Defense
This wasn’t a knockout, but it never felt close for Scull either. Every round, Canelo forced the tempo, cutting off angles and making Scull uncomfortable. The Cuban tried to use his footwork, keeping the Mexican champ at bay and looking for counters. But as the fight wore on, Canelo’s experience was on full display. He threw feints, worked the body, and landed his signature overhand rights when they mattered most. Even when Scull tried to dance and dodge, the punch stats showed the real story: Canelo outlanded him with the more meaningful shots, especially over the back half of the contest.
Anyone watching saw the difference in class. Scull was game—he moved, he jabbed, he even put together a few smart combinations. But the damage never added up. Canelo’s ring generalship made the biggest mark. He cut the ring so well that by the eighth, Scull was in survival mode, forced into exchanges he didn’t want. Every time Scull threw something flashy, Canelo answered with a veteran’s answer: a thudding body shot or a right hand to make the Cuban rethink his approach.
What made this night even more significant? This was Canelo’s first of four contracted mega-fights in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, showing how global boxing has become. But the timing, lined up perfectly with Cinco de Mayo weekend, still made it feel like a classic Mexican boxing celebration—just under Arabian lights instead of Las Vegas neon.
With this win, Canelo’s professional record swelled to 63-2-2 with 40 knockouts. His hold on the super middleweight division is now ironclad—unified champion with the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF titles. For Scull, the loss is a reality check, but he faced a legend and went the distance.
Don’t expect Canelo to slow down. At 34, he’s still the face of the division and already looking ahead to more contracted bouts in Saudi Arabia. If you’re a fan of the sport, you know these nights don’t come often. And for every fighter at 168 pounds, Canelo remains the man everyone chases.