Can Scull Upset Canelo’s Plans for a Second Undisputed Run?

Canelo Alvarez says his opponent, IBF super middleweight champion William Scull, will be desperate to win on Saturday and will “bring everything” because he has “everything to gain” in their fight on May 3rd on DAZN PPV in Riyadh.

Scull isn’t a big puncher. He’s a boxer who focuses mostly on throwing single shots and then moving away. He lacks the power to hurt Canelo. The only chance he has of winning is by decision, which is going to be difficult unless he can mimic the blueprint Floyd Mayweather Jr. used to defeat Alvarez in 2013.

Recapturing the IBF

This may be Scull’s only chance for a well-paying fight in his career. If he loses this, it’s likely over because he’ll be just an opponent for the better-known contenders in the 168-lb division.

Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs) has chosen to take this obscure fighter so that he can recapture the IBF and become undisputed 168-lb champion for a second time ahead of his mega-fight against Terence Crawford in October. If not for that, Alvarez likely wouldn’t bother fighting Scull. He needs to become undisputed to use that to help promote his fight with Crawford, making the contest have more at stake.

“There are always challenges. Just because he isn’t known doesn’t mean he isn’t a good fighter,” said Canelo Alvarez to DAZN Boxing about William Scull, whom he faces this Saturday in Riyadh.

Scull is 32, and he’s not fought anyone who is considered one of the talented contenders in the 168-lb division. When he did fight the mid-level contender Vladimir Shishkin last October, he was outgunned by Shishkin and seemingly beaten. However, the judges gave Scull an unpopular 12-round decision.

The Desperation Angle

“I know the type of fighter he is and what he will bring with his mentality right now to bring everything. He has everything to gain,” said Canelo about Scull. “So, that makes him even more dangerous. He knows how to use his reach.

“He’s quick, tall, strong, but as I say, it’s nothing new to me. I’ve fought against every style, every size, every type of strength in boxing, and I know it’ll be a tricky fight, especially in the early rounds. I’m someone who has to adapt to everything at this stage of my career,” said Canelo.