While not a visually impressive performance, Canelo Alvarez achieved his objective, securing the undisputed super middleweight championship.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Canelo Alvarez faced IBF champion William Scull in a unification match on Saturday. At stake were Alvarez`s WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, and *The Ring* super middleweight belts, aiming to claim the undisputed title. This fight was a crucial prelude to the highly anticipated superfight against Terence Crawford. Despite the contest lacking excitement, Alvarez secured a decisive victory via decision, unifying the super middleweight division.
Spectators expecting a dominant Canelo showing were disappointed. Scull effectively stifled Alvarez`s power, while Alvarez focused on consistent pressure and body shots to incrementally win rounds. Scull failed to adapt to this strategy, leading to a rather uneventful decision victory for Alvarez, with official scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109.
Regardless of the fight`s quality, the outcome paved the way for a major announcement. Immediately after the final bell, Turki Alalshikh introduced former undisputed light welterweight and welterweight king, `Bud` Crawford. He then confirmed the much-speculated superfight between Alvarez and Crawford is now official, scheduled for September 12th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Alalshikh also revealed that this card will mark the debut event for TKO Boxing, the venture spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White.
Crawford will be moving up two weight classes, from 154 pounds to challenge Canelo at 168 pounds. His most recent fight was in August, where he secured the WBA light middleweight title with a unanimous decision win over Israil Madrimov.
