Canelo Reunified Against Scull
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez regained the undisputed super middleweight championship by defeating William Scull in Riyadh on May 4, 2025, local time. The twelve-round contest aired on May 3 in the Americas and ended with a unanimous decision for Álvarez.
Scull’s movement forced a patient pursuit
Scull repeatedly moved away from extended exchanges while Álvarez attempted to close the distance and attack the body. The contest developed into a measured pursuit rather than a sustained exchange of combinations.
The judges favored Álvarez 115–113, 116–112 and 119–109. Scull suffered his first professional defeat, while the Mexican champion added another successful championship result to his record.
The IBF belt completed the collection again
Álvarez entered holding the WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight titles. Scull brought the IBF championship, giving the matchup the opportunity to reunite all four major belts.
The unanimous victory restored Álvarez’s undisputed status at 168 pounds. It was also his first professional contest outside the Americas, adding a new location to his long championship career.
The subsequent Crawford fight produced a different result
Álvarez next faced Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13, 2025. Crawford won by unanimous decision over twelve rounds and took the undisputed super middleweight championship.
The judges returned 116–112, 115–113 and 115–113 for Crawford. The two contests therefore formed distinct stages of the same championship year: Álvarez reunified against Scull before losing the combined title to Crawford.
Sources
- WBC: Saudi Sunday-morning timing and Americas broadcast date
- WBA: tactics, actual scores and four-belt reunification
- Reuters: May 4 outcome and Scull’s first defeat
- Official event report: September 13 Crawford result and scorecards
