Boxing Match Results: Canelo Alvarez Defeats William Scull, Paves Way for Terence Crawford Showdown
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Canelo "Sugar" Alvarez claimed the IBF super middleweight championship yet again, consolidating his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO belts in an emphatic unanimous-decision thrashing of William "Wild Bill" Scull. This victory sets the stage for a September face-off against former welterweight champ, Terence "Bud" Crawford.
Standing tall with an advantage in height and reach, Scull struggled to counter Alvarez's relentless ferocity as he tasted his first professional defeat on a Sunday night.
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"That's a snooze-fest," Alvarez commented post-fight, slamming Scull's defense-centric style. The final verdict was unanimous, with scores reading 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109 in Alvarez's favor[2].
In 2024, Alvarez was dethroned from the IBF championship after prioritizing a match with Edgar Berlanga over Scull, who was the sanctioning body's top contender. Alvarez's triumph over Scull means he grabs the undisputed 168-pound title a second time[2].
Scull's nimble moves may have escaped other fighters; however, they failed to dodge Alvarez's persistent attacks early in the battle. The Mexican's powerful body shots rocked Scull during the second and fourth rounds, leaving him off-balance[2].
Fighting beyond the borders of the United States and Mexico for the first time, Alvarez pursued his agile Cuban opponent in the fifth round. Scull fought back fiercely, momentarily quashing Alvarez's onslaught with a right uppercut and a push back[2].
In the sixth round, Alvarez's corner warned him to be wary of Scull's increasing confidence as the Cuban managed to land another powerful right hand[2]. The seventh round saw Alvarez employing combinations to Scull's body, culminating in a lead left hook near the ropes in the eighth[2].
Alvarez's ruthless body blows totaled 40 throughout the contest, compared to Scull's paltry six. Alvarez advanced to 63-2-2 in his career with 39 knockouts after a successful debut in Saudi Arabia, which took place during the Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo[2].
The Mexican expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge posed by Crawford, expressing, "Crawford is one of the best out there, I appreciate sharing the ring with such talent. It's going to be my pleasure."
Asked about the bout, Crawford declared, "In September, I'm going to display what greatness truly entails." Alvarez has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Seasons promotion in Saudi Arabia[3].
Saudi Arabia's increasing interest in the sporting world has sparked accusations of "sportswashing" their questionable human rights record. Alongside hosting Formula One races, the LIV Golf tour, and an aging football stars' domestic league, Saudi Arabia was named last year as the host of the 2034 football World Cup[3].
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- Terence Crawford has been a professional boxer since 2008[4] and is a four-division world champion[1]
- Crawford is renowned for his skill, tactics, and impressive undefeated record of 41-0 with 31 knockouts[1][4]
- In September 2025, Crawford will challenge Saul Alvarez in Las Vegas[1][2]
Sports enthusiasts might look forward to the September 2025 boxing match between Terence Crawford, a four-division world champion with an undefeated record, and Canelo Alvarez, who recently reclaimed the IBF super middleweight championship in a unanimous-decision victory over William Scull. Meanwhile, the human rights community raises concerns about Saudi Arabia's increasing investment in sports, such as hosting major boxing events, due to questions about their human rights record.
