Deadly Showdown Preview and Forecast: Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders Battle
Title Tussle: Canelo Alvarez v William Scull (Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship)
7 AM Sunday SA Time
It's a festive weekend with a twist as Mexico's boxing kingpin, Canelo Alvarez, sets foot in Saudi Arabia for his first fight in the kingdom. This event kicks off the next phase of Canelo's remarkable career, being the first under his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.
Though Scull boasts an undefeated record, many spectators see this bout as a warm-up for Canelo before his anticipated showdown against Terence Crawford in September.
A true professional, Canelo never retreats from challenge, aiming to make a statement in each match. Deemed one of the all-time greats and the supreme fighter of his generation, Canelo transcends boxing, commanding the ring. His aura exudes intimidation, solidifying his status as a legendary icon.
With a remarkable record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, Canelo boasts 39 knockouts, showcasing the multifaceted essence of a pugilist at the pinnacle of his craft. He can outbox opponents, relentlessly pummel them, and send them sprawling with a single punch—the complete package.
A cunning counter striker and a forceful attacker, Canelo has been dominating the ring with his offensive onslaught in recent outings. With Scull lacking the power to deter him from advancing, Canelo should maintain his aggressive approach.
Most recently, Canelo overpowered Edgar Berlanga in a lopsided victory last September, adding a fifth consecutive win to his streak since his decision loss to Dmitry Bivol, the current undisputed light heavyweight champion.
Unbeknownst to many, Scull holds a perfect 23-0 record, boasting 9 knockouts. In October, Scull clinched the vacant IBF title by edging out Vladimir Shishkin in a heated points match. However, stepping up from that level to face Canelo presents an entirely new challenge for "El Indomable."
Stylistically, Scull powers forward with combinations and a solid uppercut but tends to leave himself open to counters. While he possesses an aggressive approach, it doesn't quite match the technical prowess of exceptional fighters like Bivol or Floyd Mayweather, the only two men to defeat Canelo. Moreover, with only a 39% knockout ratio, Scull poses minimal threat in terms of finishing power.
The 32-year-old Scull has never confronted a fighter like Canelo, who unites skill, power, experience, and legendary status. Scull's defense seems to falter against such opponents, making it challenging to envision him withstanding the Mexican megastar's onslaught.
An unusual factor to consider is the timing of the event. The bout is scheduled for a 6 AM start, a decision aimed at catering to fans in Mexico and the U.S., who will watch the fight during their usual Saturday night slot.
In conclusion, the odds strongly favor Canelo. Although it's been a while since Canelo secured a knockout win (against Caleb Plant in 2021), Canelo's desire to make a statement and Scull's defensive deficiencies lead me to predict a knockout finish for the Mexican superstar.
Prediction: Canelo by knockout.
Best Bet: Canelo by KO/TKO/DQ at 1.53.
Alternative Bet: Under 10.5 rounds at 1.80.
Written by Quintin Van Jaarsveld, multiple award-winning sports journalist with over 15 years of experience.
Background Information: Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull is an upcoming undisputed super middleweight championship fight on May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Canelo Alvarez, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion, faces William Scull, IBF super middleweight champion. Betting odds are heavily in favor of Alvarez, with oddsmakers predicting a 94% to 98.5% chance of victory for Alvarez, compared to Scull’s 6% to 7% probability of success. Analysts anticipate a knockout victory for Alvarez between rounds 7 to 12.
- In the world of sports, rugby and betting enthusiasts might find excitement in another arena as the Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull fight approaches, an undisputed super middleweight championship event.
- With Canelo's powerful punching ability and dominance in the ring, sports predictions suggest a knockout victory for the Mexican superstar, making it an enticing option for rugby enthusiasts to consider betting on the outcome of the match.
