Canelo Alvarez is already in the final stages of his preparation to face the undefeated William Scull on May 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a fight that will define the super middleweight champion. Although the Mexican is accustomed to the big stage, this time the challenge is not only in the ring, but also in the pre-fight logistics: the fight will be held at 6:00 a.m. local time, to fit in with prime time in Mexico and the United States, which has forced the champion to radically modify his training routine.
Since his arrival in the Middle East, Canelo has implemented an unusual schedule: he wakes up between 3 and 4 a.m. and begins his day with sparring sessions that start before dawn. “I need to adapt my effort to get up at 4 in the morning, start my sparring at 5, 5:30 or 6,” the champion explained to Ring Magazine. Aware of the challenge of changing time zones, he planned his trip three weeks in advance to avoid jet lag and acclimatize his body to the Saudi rhythm.
A unique routine for an unprecedented stage
The fight against Scull will be Canelo’s first professional appearance outside of North America. With 66 fights on his record and multiple titles in his trophy cabinet, the Mexican champion faces this new challenge with the same intensity that has characterised him for two decades. His training, led by Eddy Reynoso, moved entirely to Saudi Arabia, where images have already been seen of the boxer training in the early hours of the morning, even before sunrise.
Although it is a physical and mental sacrifice, Canelo was enthusiastic about the challenge. “I’m very motivated. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s exciting, because it’s something new for me,” he said. The fight represents an opportunity to regain the IBF title, now in Scull’s hands, and to consolidate himself once again as the undisputed super middleweight champion. But it is also the first step in a four-fight deal with the Saudi government, three of which will be held in Riyadh and one more in Las Vegas, scheduled for September against Terence Crawford.
A great end to his career, but still unfinished business
Canelo has made it clear that he no longer fights for money, but for personal satisfaction. “In boxing I have already achieved everything,” he told TMZ. “I was champion in several divisions, I fought with the best, I was the number one pound-for-pound… Now I do it because I still enjoy boxing.” At almost 35 years of age, the Mexican does not set a fixed date for his retirement, but anticipates that it will be between 37 and 38 years of age, when he feels that he has completed his cycle in the ring.
After Scull and Crawford, there are still battles that could close his legacy with a flourish. Among them, a rematch against Dmitry Bivol, who defeated him in 2022, and an eventual showdown with David Benavidez, a fight that remains on the radar of fans. He has even said that he does not rule out a possible clash with Jake Paul, although he clarified that today he does not consider him a professional rival. “I never say no, because you don’t know what can happen,” he said.
Saul Alvarez once again demonstrates why he is one of the best pugilists of this era. With iron discipline and an impeccable work ethic, he has transformed his preparation in Saudi Arabia into a symbol of commitment and professionalism.
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