Mexican boxing icon Saul “Canelo” Alvarez unified the super middleweight world titles following a unanimous points victory over International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion William Scull early on Sunday.
Alvarez, aged 34, improved his record to 63 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 knockouts, by securing the win during his Saudi Arabian debut. The contest upheld his tradition of competing during the Mexican holiday weekend of Cinco de Mayo.
The Cuban super middleweight Scull entered the unification bout with an undefeated 23-0 record but stood as a heavy underdog against the Mexican star.
Scull remained on the outside for most of the bout, depending on his superior height, reach, footwork, and speed in an attempt to keep Alvarez at a distance.
However, Alvarez delivered punishing body shots across the rounds and systematically trapped Scull against the ropes with calculated footwork and a succession of hooks.
"He moved even more than I thought. But, it’s OK, we win," said Alvarez during the post-fight interview.
Alvarez had entered the ring following a lopsided unanimous decision over Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas the previous year.
The IBF stripped Alvarez of his title when he agreed to face Berlanga instead of the organisation’s mandatory challenger, Scull.
Sunday’s bout marked Alvarez’s first appearance outside North America during his nearly twenty-year professional boxing career.
Both fighters stepped into the ring in the early hours of Sunday to align the timing with Saturday night prime-time broadcasts in North America.
The match had been presented as a tune-up for a highly anticipated clash between Alvarez and American fighter Terence Crawford, expected later in the year.
After the fight, Crawford entered the ring and a date was agreed for a showdown in Las Vegas on 12 September.
In the undercard event, Jaime Munguia avenged his previous knockout defeat to super middleweight Bruno Surace by forcing the French boxer against the ropes and delivering rapid combinations, which led to a unanimous decision in his favour.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia had invested heavily in boxing as part of its state-funded campaign to boost its global sporting presence, amid criticism regarding its human rights record.
The kingdom had also hosted Formula One, the LIV Golf tour, and attracted numerous ageing football stars to its domestic league. Last year, Saudi Arabia secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Alvarez had signed a four-fight agreement in February with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Seasons promotion.
