Canelo Álvarez Defeats William Scull in Undisputed Title Return, But Fans Left Wanting More
On Cinco de Mayo weekend, boxing fans around the world tuned in to see if Canelo Álvarez could reclaim his throne as the undisputed super middleweight champion. While he succeeded in victory, the nature of the bout left many disappointed—even Canelo himself.
A Cultural Stage, A Global Fight
The May 4th showdown between Canelo Álvarez and William Scull was more than just a title fight; it symbolized a return to tradition for the Mexican icon. Despite being held in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season, the match echoed the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo—a weekend historically owned by Canelo in the ring. Nonetheless, the setting felt distant from the fiery Mexican crowds he once energized.
From Dominance to Disappointment
Canelo became the undisputed super middleweight champion back in 2021. However, due to his refusal to fight the IBF's mandatory challenger William Scull in 2024, Canelo vacated the title. Scull, a then-undefeated Cuban, quietly captured the IBF belt and became a mandatory test Canelo could no longer avoid.
The fight was long-awaited. But when Canelo finally faced Scull on May 4, 2025, fans watched 12 rounds of cautious movement and minimal engagement. The scorecards told the story: 115-113, 116-112, 119-109 —a wide win for Canelo that felt impossibly dull.
Reactions in the Aftermath
Even Canelo couldn’t hide his frustration with the fight’s lack of action:
"I hope September comes another kind of fight. For me, it was a boring fight. I hate those kind of fighters." — Canelo Álvarez (CBS Sports)
CBS Sports echoed the sentiment, describing it as:
"12 rounds of stupefyingly dull action... Scull spent most of the fight running away." (CBS Sports)
Yet amidst the criticism, there was a shining moment. Turki Alalshikh took the center stage post-fight to present Canelo with a solid gold belt and announce a colossal matchup:
"This belt is 100% gold. We will see [Canelo vs. Crawford] in Las Vegas on September 12." — Turki Alalshikh (Bleacher Report)
Anticipation for Canelo vs. Crawford
As lackluster as the Scull fight may have been, it lays the ground for what could become one of boxing's most iconic showdowns: Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford on September 12, 2025 in Las Vegas. Crawford, a reigning pound-for-pound star, promises the kind of challenge that could reignite Canelo’s fire—and fan enthusiasm.
Fans on both sides are already discussing the stakes: redemption, legacy, and the waning match quality in modern big-money bouts. Some argue that matchups like Scull—though necessary for title unification—ultimately dilute the excitement boxing needs to thrive.
Canelo’s Legacy: Undisputed Again
Despite the forgettable fight, Canelo leaves Saudi Arabia once again holding all four major titles—an accomplishment that underscores his enduring dominance at age 34. Yet even undisputed glory can't mask the call for more dynamic, meaningful matchups.
For fans, the hope is that September brings not only a different kind of fight but a rekindling of what made Canelo a worldwide sensation in the first place.
Conclusion
✔️ Canelo secured a wide victory and reclaimed the undisputed crown, but the fight's dullness left fans disillusioned
✔️ The announcement of the Crawford bout promises fireworks—an opportunity for redemption and renewed excitement
For further coverage, check the full fight summaries and reactions on Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, or the Spanish-language overview on Marca.
