Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has once again carved his name into boxing history, becoming a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion with a points victory over previously unbeaten William “El Indomable” Scull. The Mexican superstar added the IBF strap to his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles, completing his second clean sweep of the 168-pound division at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
But while the records were rewritten, the fight itself failed to catch fire.
🔺 THE RESULT
Canelo Alvarez (64-2-2, 39 KOs) def. William Scull (23-1, 9 KOs)
Result: Unanimous Decision (115–113, 116–112, 119–109)
Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Referee: Kieran McCann
Titles at stake: WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF World Super-Middleweight Titles
🥊 THE FIGHT: CEREBRAL CLASH, PHYSICAL GRIND
Scull entered as the unknown quantity – tall, rangy, and unbeaten – but would ultimately be outclassed by Canelo's economy and patience.
The opening rounds were tight, as both men traded jabs and feints, neither willing to overcommit. Scull had some success in the sixth with clean right hands, but his volume wasn't enough to sway momentum for long.
Canelo, typically a slow starter, found his rhythm in the middle rounds, attacking the body with venom and forcing Scull onto the back foot. His signature hooks to the ribs and hips landed with thudding precision, sapping the Panamanian's output as the bout wore on.
But it was far from vintage Canelo. The 34-year-old looked frustrated at times, even attempting to lift Scull off the ground in round 11, drawing gasps from the crowd and a warning from the ref. That moment summed up the fight: awkward, cagey, and lacking fireworks.
Despite the subdued nature of the contest, Canelo closed strong, targeting the body again in the final round while Scull circled and countered.
🧠 THE SCORECARDS: NO CONTROVERSY, JUST CONTROL
The judges were unanimous in favour of the Guadalajara native, with one card (119–109) reflecting a dominant performance and the others a closer, more tactical affair. While fans booed the lack of action in stretches, there was no dispute over the winner.
Canelo is now the first man to become undisputed champion twice at 168 lbs.
🔥 UNDERCARD ROUNDUP: BAKOLE, MUNGUIA, BADOU JACK & MORE
Badou Jack edged Norair Mikaeljan via majority decision in a cruiserweight bout that had the crowd split. Mikaeljan arguably outlanded the veteran in the later rounds, but the judges leaned toward Jack’s aggression.
Jaime Munguia avenged his previous loss to Bruno Surace, winning a clear unanimous decision. Though Surace started strong, Munguia adjusted and pulled away in the second half.
Martin Bakole vs. Efe Ajagba ended in a majority draw after ten bruising rounds. Bakole was the aggressor, but Ajagba boxed smartly, earning two 95–95 cards.
Other highlights included:
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Marco Verde (1-0) made a thunderous pro debut with a first-round TKO.
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Brayan Leon improved to 7-0 with a knockdown-filled decision win.
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Richard Riakporhe delivered a punishing fourth-round TKO over Kevin Espindola.
🧾 THE LEGACY: WHAT NEXT FOR CANELO?
Now 64-2-2 with 39 knockouts, Canelo’s historic resume continues to grow. Having now conquered the division twice over, the whispers are getting louder:
Terence Crawford. September 12. Las Vegas.
A super-fight with pound-for-pound rival Bud Crawford is now official, and it may well define Canelo’s legacy more than Saturday night’s formality.
💬 FINAL TAKE: CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT WITH A SPARK MISSING
While the crowd in Riyadh got history, they didn’t get the war they paid for. Canelo was clinical but cautious. Scull was game but timid. The fight lacked drama — but make no mistake — the result was monumental.
He’s still the face of boxing. Still the undisputed king at 168. But now all eyes turn to Vegas in September.
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