On May 3rd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the boxing world will be abuzz as Canelo Alvarez prepares to face William Scull in what many are dubbing a pivotal moment in super middleweight division history. With Alvarez holding the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, while Scull possesses the IBF championship, the stakes are undoubtedly high. However, a closer look at the backdrop of this much-anticipated bout reveals a myriad of complexities that paint a less-than-straightforward picture of this fight.
Canelo Alvarez, with an impressive record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws—39 of those wins coming by knockout— is undeniably one of boxing’s brightest stars. Yet, the emergence of Scull, an undefeated fighter with a record of 23-0, presents an opportunity that is drawing skepticism rather than excitement from many fans. Critics argue that this fight appears to be more of a strategic maneuver rather than an authentic challenge for Alvarez, who many believe should be putting his skill to the test against a more formidable and established contender like David Benavidez.
Controversy and Perception
Tension around this match has been heightened due to Scull’s recent victory over Vladimir Shishkin, which many felt was contentious at best. Winning that IBF title by a narrow and controversial decision hasn’t helped paint Scull as an elite threat. Thus, when Alvarez seeks to reclaim his IBF title, questions about credibility arise. The narrative seems to shift from a courageous title defense by Alvarez against a rising star to one involving the reclamation of a belt under dubious circumstances.
This controversy further fuels claims of “cherry-picking” from Alvarez’s camp. It’s not unusual for fans, especially in a sport as passionate as boxing, to voice disapproval when they perceive a champion to be playing it safe rather than seeking out the fiercest competition available. Although Alvarez’s reputation as a fighter who seeks robust challenges is well established, the choice of Scull raises eyebrows and can tarnish that image, leading to criticisms that he’s maneuvering around tougher opponents.
The Bigger Picture: Legacy on the Line
Moreover, the stakes are heightened by Alvarez’s upcoming defense against Terence Crawford, who aims to ascend to super middleweight to chase his own goal of becoming a three-division undisputed champion. The boxing community speculates that Alvarez aims to secure the IBF belt to fortify the ensuing matchup with Crawford, adding a layer of urgency and significance to this clash. However, by focusing on titles instead of the essence of the sport, one has to wonder if the spirit of competition is being overshadowed.
In the eyes of many, holding all four belts may seem superficial to validate a match against Crawford, especially since there’s skepticism surrounding Crawford’s long-term intentions at super middleweight. This raises questions about whether titles matter in the grand scheme of boxing or whether they are merely props in a carefully curated narrative to entice fans.
As the date draws near, anticipation is mixed with skepticism, leaving fans to ponder: Is this fight truly meant to crown a champion, or is it a mere stepping stone to protect legacies? Only time will tell whether Alvarez’s move to take back the IBF belt will bolster his legacy or simply raise more questions about his willingness to face genuine threats in the boxing world.