The stage is set for one of boxing’s most anticipated clashes as Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez prepares to face Terence Crawford in a September blockbuster at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. But the road to that mouthwatering match-up was paved with frustration, as Alvarez laboured to a lacklustre points victory over William Scull in Riyadh.
In what was meant to be a showcase return to reclaim his undisputed super-middleweight crown, Alvarez instead found himself chasing shadows. Scull, nimble on his feet but hesitant to engage, spent much of the bout on the back foot, neutralising the Mexican icon with elusive movement and flickering jabs. While Canelo repeatedly targeted the body, his punches rarely dented the rhythm of the Cuban southpaw.
Despite the low-octane nature of the contest, Alvarez’s greater aggression and ring control earned him a unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 115-113, 116-112, and a notably wide 119-109. The win sees him reclaim the IBF belt he relinquished last year and re-establish his reign over the 168lb division.
The true spark came not during the fight, but after the final bell. As the crowd’s attention waned during the 12-round chess match, it shifted to Terence Crawford, who sat ringside in anticipation. The undefeated four-division champion entered the ring post-fight, setting up a tantalising face-off with Canelo and confirming what fans had long hoped for: a mega-fight on 12 September in front of a 65,000-strong crowd in Las Vegas.
For Crawford, the challenge is monumental. The 37-year-old will jump two weight classes to meet Alvarez, giving up a size advantage but bringing with him speed, intelligence, and a perfect 41-0 record. A two-weight undisputed champion, Crawford has conquered every challenge placed in front of him – but this will be his biggest test yet.
Alvarez, meanwhile, appears keen to prove he still belongs at the pinnacle of the sport after recent criticism for avoiding high-risk opponents like David Benavidez. That scrutiny has intensified following his underwhelming display against Scull, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether the Mexican has lost a step.
Yet despite the disappointment in Riyadh, the upcoming bout promises fireworks. Crawford’s technical brilliance and relentless mindset will collide with Alvarez’s elite experience and punishing bodywork in what many are already billing as a generational showdown.
While doubts remain about whether Alvarez should have faced Benavidez first – a fighter many believe represents a more dangerous threat – few can argue with the star power and stakes involved in the upcoming Vegas duel.
One thing is certain: the chess match is over. In September, the gloves are coming off.
