Canelo vs Scull: Why It Had to Happen
This Saturday, Canelo Alvarez steps into the ring against William Scull in what looks, on paper, like a mismatch. No need to fake suspense here. Canelo is a level above. Unless a miracle strikes, this fight is a formality.
But the real story isn’t about Scull.
It’s about what Canelo is setting up.
Let’s break it down.
Levels Apart
Canelo is the reigning king at 168 pounds. Scull is the IBF champion by default - he picked up the vacant belt when Canelo vacated last year. Scull is slick, awkward, and undefeated. But he’s never been in with anything remotely close to Canelo.
Scull’s best weapon is movement. He likes to jab, pot-shot, and slip away. It worked against contenders. Against Canelo? It’s a different world. Without serious power to keep Canelo honest, Scull is going to get hunted down, chopped to the body, and broken apart.
Unless Canelo gets old overnight, this won’t be a close fight. Scull would need the night of his life and a steep decline from Canelo to make it competitive.
Why Canelo Took This Fight
This isn’t about proving anything. Canelo took this fight for one reason:
Reclaim the IBF belt.
Canelo was previously undisputed at 168. But when the IBF ordered him to face Scull as a mandatory last year, Canelo had bigger names in mind. He passed, got stripped, and Scull picked up the vacant title.
Now, Canelo is cleaning up the loose ends. Winning this fight makes him undisputed again. No gaps. No debates.
He’s not just fighting Scull. He’s reclaiming the throne he built.
The Bigger Picture
Winning the IBF back isn’t just about pride. It’s about setting the table for what’s next.
Canelo’s already locked into a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Scull is first. Crawford is expected next — undisputed vs undisputed. After that, everything’s wide open.
Benavidez. Bivol. Beterbiev. (Nothings confirmed yet)
Having all four belts at 168 isn’t just about legacy. It makes Canelo a bigger headline. It gives promoters a cleaner story to sell, a bigger hook for the casual fans who chase names, belts, and moments.
The Benavidez Question
David Benavidez is the fight hardcore fans have been begging for. Bigger, younger, aggressive, and hungry. Canelo has played it cool, saying he’s open if the deal makes sense.
Truth is, Benavidez has been chasing him for years. Now, with Canelo back holding all the belts at 168, Benavidez either has to move up or meet him on terms he doesn’t control.
But it’s not guaranteed. Benavidez could stay at 175. Canelo could move up without ever facing him. Nothing is locked in.
The pressure is there. But whether it turns into a fight — that’s still a question.
The Light-Heavyweight Landscape
Meanwhile, at 175, Bivol and Beterbiev are expected to meet in a trilogy fight, but nothing is officially confirmed yet.
When Bivol vacated the WBC title, David Benavidez grabbed it. That changed everything. With the WBC belt in his hands, Benavidez now has real leverage — a title that can force a conversation with the Bivol-Beterbiev winner.
The expectation is that Benavidez will push for a shot at becoming undisputed at 175. If that happens, and if Canelo does what he’s supposed to at 168, a true undisputed vs undisputed super fight could be on the table.
Maybe Canelo faces Benavidez first. Maybe he jumps the line and goes straight after the Bivol-Beterbiev winner. For now, the paths are set. Which one Canelo chooses — only time will tell.
Final Word
Saturday isn’t about William Scull.
It’s about business. It’s about power. It’s about setting up the real fights.
Canelo Alvarez didn’t come this far to leave a belt lying on the table.
Scull is just a checkpoint. The real battles are still ahead.
And when they come, Canelo plans to walk in with every advantage he can carry.
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