The fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull, held in Saudi Arabia, not only marked a new triumph for the Mexican, but also a new controversy.
Although the Jalisco native was crowned undisputed champion for the second time in his career, the Cuban boxer was not satisfied with the result and, after the fight, claimed that he was defeated “without receiving any blows”. For Scull, his defensive strategy was misinterpreted and the judges’ verdict was influenced by the champion’s name and reputation.
In statements to ESPN, the Caribbean pugilist lamented losing his unbeaten record in a fight that, from his perspective, he dominated by avoiding punishment.
“They beat me in a fight without hitting me. The truth is that it is a pity, right? That boxing falls into that… because this is boxing: to hit and not be hit”, he said. His words resonated on social networks, where many debated whether his elusive style was a legitimate tactic or a lack of offensive proposal.
Canelo responds: “That’s not how you win fights”
Far from keeping quiet, Canelo Alvarez also gave his version of events after the fight. In an interview with FightHub TV, he revealed that he even made a direct complaint to Scull in the ring. “I said to him: ‘You know, you just came to survive, you can’t win a fight like that, fighting like that,'” he said. According to the Mexican, the Cuban’s passive attitude was an obstacle to offering a real show and ended up justifying the judges’ decision in his favor.
Canelo was also blunt in criticising his opponent’s approach: “That’s a mediocre mentality, because they just come to survive, to get to the 12 rounds… you need to give a good fight, a good show there”. Despite Scull’s strong defence, the champion was calm and satisfied with the result, which makes him the only Mexican to achieve undisputed champion status twice in the super middleweight division.
A historic achievement and a heated controversy
With his victory, Canelo took his tally to 13 belts in different divisions and reaffirmed his status as one of the greats of modern boxing. “In boxing I have already achieved everything. I have fought against everyone… I have won many titles in different categories,” he recently told TMZ. His 63 victories are now joined by all the titles available at 168 pounds, a feat that no other Mexican boxer has achieved.
While Canelo celebrates his achievement, Scull has publicly expressed his frustration, even on social media. On his Facebook account he posted: “I was beaten in a fight without being hit. It’s a shame. This is boxing, to hit and not to be hit”. Although he accepted the defeat with respect, his words reflect a sense of injustice that keeps the controversy alive. Amid accusations of “running away” and complaints of a “boring” fight, the post-fight narrative continues to generate debate.
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