On the brink of yet another anticipated fight in his storied career, Canelo Alvarez has set his sights on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to face William Scull on May 3rd, live on DAZN. Despite his undeniable prowess in the ring, this match-up feels more like an obligatory step on Alvarez’s journey toward a more significant showdown with Terence Crawford in September. For a boxer of Alvarez’s caliber, engaging in a bout that doesn’t capture the public’s interest raises several eyebrows—it seems almost counterproductive when weighing his illustrious legacy against the lackluster nature of this upcoming fight.
The Undercard and Unexpected Matchups
Alongside the main event, the undercard has some intriguing fights lined up, featuring names like Badou Jack against Ryan Rozicki and Jaime Munguia facing Bruno Surace. However, one can’t help but wonder if these matchups are merely filler for a card that lacks the dynamism to genuinely excite fans. Scull, at 23-0 with a modest nine knockouts to his name, likely won’t provide the resistance necessary to elevate Canelo’s profile further. The real question needs to be asked: should Alvarez, a champion in more senses than one, not prioritize a more captivating opponent—like David Morrell or Osleys Iglesias—to truly test his mettle and build anticipation for future showdowns?
A Title on the Line, but at What Cost?
The stakes seem clear for Canelo: reclaiming the IBF title and being a four-belt champion opens the door for his high-profile clash against Crawford. Yet, the mismatch potential between Canelo and a lesser-known fighter like Scull diminishes the significance of such an endeavor. For die-hard boxing aficionados, the thrill of seeing Canelo attain undisputed champion status could take a backseat to the broader narrative of quality opponents facing each other. Canelo’s decision to face Scull feels like an unnecessary roadblock on his way to a showdown that might truly excite fans.
Crawford’s Long Absence Raises Concerns
There’s another layer to this narrative: Terence Crawford’s inactivity since 2020. The anticipation for a monumental clash between two of boxing’s titans seems diluted when one of them has scarcely set foot in the ring. Crawford will need to shake off that ring rust, and ideally, it would have been beneficial for him to face formidable opponents like Iglesias or Morrell before stepping into the ring with Canelo. If both boxers take on underwhelming competition, it risks reducing an explosive matchup to a box-office bust—an unfortunate reality in the sport today.
Concerns Over Canelo’s Approach
Furthermore, Canelo’s premature departure from training to Saudi Arabia appears to evoke some concerns. While he remains a disciplined athlete, leaving three weeks early may raise questions about his readiness. Following an exhausting bout against Edgar Berlanga last September, in which he struggled significantly after the fourth round, every decision matters. While Scull presents a stepping-stone for Canelo, failure to approach this fight with utmost seriousness could lead to an unexpected upset—a scenario that no one, not even Canelo himself, can afford to overlook.
As Canelo prepares for this bout, one can’t help but feel that the excitement surrounding his career is ebbing away, compromised by choices that seem to prioritize titles over competition, and by matchups that appear less than thrilling. Wouldn’t boxing be better served if talent faced talent, rather than merely checking boxes on a path to greater accolades?
Leave a Reply