The Upcoming Press Conference
On March 6th, super middleweight champions Canelo Alvarez and William Scull will hold a press conference at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The event, scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. ET, marks the beginning of the promotion for their undisputed 168-lb championship fight on May 3rd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The press conference is a significant milestone, as it sets the stage for what many hope will be a thrilling and historic boxing event. Free tickets are available for those who wish to attend, adding an element of fan engagement and excitement to the build-up.
Preparing for Crawford
For Canelo Alvarez, the fight against William Scull serves as a crucial tune-up before his highly anticipated showdown with Terence Crawford on September 13th. Alvarez, known for his strategic approach and meticulous preparation, needs Scull’s belt to hold the undisputed championship when he faces Crawford. This strategic move highlights Canelo’s long-term vision and his determination to cement his legacy in the sport. However, the challenge lies in marketing this fight to the U.S. audience. Scull, who doesn’t speak English and is relatively unknown, presents a unique challenge for promoters. Many fans view Scull as a belt-holder in name only, which could affect the public’s interest in the fight.
The Undercard and Canelo’s Performance
Adding to the excitement of the event, the undercard will feature a heavyweight bout between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba. Both are rising contenders in the heavyweight division, and their fight has the potential to steal the show. This undercard serves as a reminder of the depth and talent in the boxing world, providing fans with multiple reasons to tune in. However, Canelo’s performance in his last two fights against Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga has raised some concerns. In both contests, Canelo showed signs of fatigue after the fourth round, taking unnecessary punishment. This has led to speculation about his current form and whether he needs to step up his game to maintain his status as a top contender.
The Critics’ View
The lack of demand for the Canelo-Scull fight is a subject of significant debate. Some critics argue that Turki Alalshikh, the promoter, should have pushed Canelo to face a more formidable opponent. With an estimated fortune of $250 million, Alvarez’s financial security may have impacted his willingness to take on risky fights that fans are eager to see. The criticism suggests that Canelo is showing signs of battle fatigue and is choosing easier opponents to ensure he continues to win. This approach is seen by some as part of a "retirement tour," where Canelo aims to maintain his winning streak until he hangs up his gloves.
Scull’s Credentials
William Scull, the IBF champion, is undefeated but has not impressed in his recent performances. His most notable victory, a 12-round unanimous decision over Vladimir Shishkin on October 19th, 2023, was widely criticized. Many fans, including this writer, felt that Shishkin deserved the win, with the fight being scored 10-2 in Shishkin’s favor. Scull’s performance in this fight raised questions about his fitness, speed, and overall work rate. Some believe that Scull would have struggled against Canelo’s last two opponents, Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia, further emphasizing the disparity in skill and experience.
The Future of the Canelo-Crawford Fight
The ultimate goal for Canelo Alvarez is his fight against Terence Crawford, where all four belts will be on the line. This fight is a significant selling point, as it allows Crawford to attempt to become a three-division undisputed champion. While casual boxing fans may not be overly concerned about the number of belts at stake, hardcore fans and analysts see the potential for a legendary encounter. The debate over whether belts should be on the line for the Canelo vs. Crawford fight continues, with some suggesting it would be better to have it as an exhibition. Regardless, the upcoming press conference and the Riyadh fight are pivotal moments in Canelo’s journey to undisputed champion status, and they promise to deliver plenty of drama and excitement for boxing enthusiasts.
