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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The next Canelo? Mexico's new generation of fighters are ready to replace Saul Alvarez
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and William Scull (L-R) on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Not one fighter can replace Saul Alvarez in boxing right now. "Canelo" has ruled over the boxing world for years, has won world championships in four different weight classes, and defeated Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Gennadiy Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev and Caleb Plant, among others. Advertisement Though he never reached the mainstream highs of the Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao era, the period in which "Canelo" has reigned has shown he's a worthy successor because of how important he is as a figure to both boxing and Mexican culture. His fights have transcended the sport, and his business efforts show hints of an individual who could become bigger, still, than what he achieved as a sportsman. You always knew what you were getting at a marquee Canelo event before this latest chapter, and that's mariachi bands, a ring walk accompanied by Santa Fe Klan, and the fighter's favorite swear words in delightful English, like 'dumb b****.' Even people who don't speak Spanish know what "Viva Mexico, Cabrones" means — and that's all thanks to "Canelo." Cinco de Mayo fight nights were often a carnival, with high-rollers from Mexico dominating Las Vegas — and in recent years, that's all because of one man. Advertisement Alvarez, 34, has flown the Mexican flag with pride, but his time at the top is fast coming to a close. He hasn't scored a win by knockout since his brutal dominance of Plant four years ago, and his former Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn suggested the fighter could retire as early as this year. Alvarez's exit would be a loss, no doubt. But it would by no means lead to a dilution of Mexican excellence in boxing, because the country has a generation of fighters who, combined, can offset the loss that a king's retirement could otherwise cause. Emanuel Navarrete punches Robson Conceicao during a super featherweight title fight in November 2023. () (Steve Marcus via Getty Images) Emanuel Navarrete: Three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete, a fighter who has competed in five weight classes and won world championships in three of those, cannot help but get embroiled in classic, blood-soaked fights. He survives knockdowns and gnarly cuts, to grind out thumping wins with his awkward combat style. Advertisement In his past five fights he's beaten Oscar Valdez in a brutal beatdown by decision, shared a draw with Robson Conceicao, lost to Denys Berinchyk, and rebounded with a sixth-round knockout win in his rematch with Valdez. Earlier this month, he stopped Charly Suarez in the eighth round. If that weren't enough to develop a cult following among fight fans, you just need to look at what people wear to events that "Vaquero" (Cowboy) headlines, as those who attend often wear sombreros and Stetsons. His fan base is growing with every fight. Navarrete could box fellow Top Rank fighter O'Shaquie Foster in the future, but has also expressed interest in a return to lightweight so he can try and capture a world championship in a fourth weight class, joining the likes of legendary Mexicans like Erik Morales, Jorge Arce, Juan Manuel Marquez, Mikey Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz, and, of course, "Canelo" himself. Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (left) and Yuniel Dorticos face off ahead of their June 28 fight on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. undercard. (Cris Esqueda/) (Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images) Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez: Two-weight world champion A Golden Boy Promotions fighter, Gilberto Ramirez is beginning to come into his own after rebounding from a decision loss to Dmitry Bivol by defeating Joe Smith Jr., Arsen Goulamirian and Chris Billam-Smith in the past 18 months. Advertisement Ramirez, a solid southpaw, has fought from light heavyweight to cruiserweight but does not appear as powerful at 200 pounds as he did below it. Though he's not as accomplished as others on this list, and perhaps does not have as high a ceiling as younger Mexican fighters, he could be thrust into one of the highest-profile fights of all, should he defeat Yuniel Dorticos on June 28 on the same card as Jake Paul's return to the ring against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Paul has long gunned for a world championship shot in boxing. If he beats Chavez, a world title match involving the internet sensation and Ramirez is probable considering the ongoing partnership between Most Valuable Promotions and Golden Boy. It's a show that could even air on Netflix, trumping the attention "Canelo" generated for his recent snoozefest against William Scull in Riyadh. WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza made a statement in his recent title defense against Edward Vazquez. () (Steve Marcus via Getty Images) Rafael Espinoza: Featherweight world champion A rising star at Top Rank, Rafael Espinoza has set the sport of boxing ablaze since debuting in the U.S. in 2023, after spending the bulk of his career competing in Mexico. His first fight in the States, against Robeisy Ramirez, contained a Round of the Year contender during a firefight in which he won the WBO featherweight world championship — a belt he's retained with subsequent stoppage wins over Sergio Chirino, Ramirez in a rematch, and Edward Vazquez. Advertisement Espinoza is must-see television not just for his aggressive and powerful volume-punching, but also because he'll belt out Mexican ballads while standing tall over his knockout victims like a Latino Tyson Fury. Should the 31-year-old stay at the 126-pound division then box-office bouts against the likes of Angelo Leo or Stephen Fulton could await, and he'll be enticed to keep adding to his legacy at featherweight because if Naoya Inoue, Uncrowned's No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter, ever moves up, Espinoza could be the one to welcome him to the division. 'My dream is to become a pound-for-pound fighter,' he previously told Uncrowned. 'And I think a fight with [Inoue] will put me there. And when that day comes, I will win.' On his growing fame in the fight game, he also said: 'Julio Cesar Chavez and Marco Antonio Barrera called me and it filled me with pride now that they call me a champion. They said that I have heart, and not many boxers have that. I'm happy about that.' Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz wears a dog mask as he makes his ring entrance for a super featherweight bout against Angel Fierro in February 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. () (Steve Marcus via Getty Images) Isaac Cruz: Former lightweight champion Already one of the most popular Mexican prizefighters on this list, Isaac Cruz brings "Pitbull-mania" to each and every one of his can't-miss fights because he's an all-action throwback brawler who hooks to the body and has a solid chin. Advertisement Though Cruz lost to Gervonta Davis in 2021, he is one of the few people to have been able to stand up to "Tank's" power and last the full 12 rounds. Since that fight, he's finished Yuriorkis Gamboa, stopped Rolando Romero in the eighth round of a fight that has aged well considering Romero's recent win over Ryan Garcia, and, most recently, came out on top of a feral Fight of the Year contender against Angel Fierro in February. Considering the widespread acclaim Cruz and Fierro received for their first fight, a rematch appears likely — and it could even land on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring against Mario Barrios. Should Cruz keep winning, he could score a second fight against Romero, or even a big-money "Tank" Davis rematch. William Zepeda (left) squares off with Shakur Stevenson on July 12 in a monster opportunity for his next fight. (Cris Esqueda/) (Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images) William Zepeda: Lightweight contender William Zepeda is yet to win a proper world championship, but he has his shot in his next outing as he takes on Shakur Stevenson for the full WBC lightweight title on July 12 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium — a 14,000-seat arena in New York City typically associated with tennis, more specifically the U.S. Open. Advertisement Stevenson is a -1,450 favorite by the BetMGM bookmakers, but Zepeda's representatives at Golden Boy Promotions have been touting their fighters chances in the fight for almost two years. Speaking to Uncrowned, former five-weight world champion and Golden Boy founder Oscar de la Hoya confidently said: 'If anyone can give Shakur trouble, it's William Zepeda.' He added at another recent event: 'We have a future superstar on our hands in 'El Camaron.' I literally think Zepeda is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing today.' Win or lose, Zepeda has eyed options beyond Stevenson, including an all-Mexican clash against Cruz, to determine the No. 1 fighter from their country at 135 pounds. 'Pitbull can't say that he's better than me,' he said recently. 'I can't say I'm better than Pitbull. The only way we can determine that is when we're in the ring in the middle, facing each other.' Zepeda also likes a fight against Lomachenko, should the two-time Olympic gold medalist ever return to the ring for one more pro fight. 'He's known to be an idol, and it's a dream of mine to get in the ring and fight an idol," Zepeda said, "[because] I want to become an idol myself.' Marco Verde (left) made his successful professional debut against Michel Galvan Polina on the Canelo vs. Scull undercard. () (Richard Pelham via Getty Images) Marco Verde: A highly-touted one-fight prospect Outside of the pro fighters who are already champions, or on the route to becoming one, Mexico also has a red-hot prospect who already has the respect of one of the nation's veteran boxers. Advertisement 'In Mexico, there's a lot of tough fighters,' 34-year-old former two-weight world champ Oscar Valdez told Uncrowned last year. 'But there's a silver medalist from the Olympic Games called Marco Verde,' who fans should keep an eye on, he said. There is even a "Canelo" link here as Alvarez's longtime coach and manager Eddy Reynoso has advised the novice boxer. To date, it's been a fruitful partnership as, just months on from making his successful pro debut on Alvarez's undercard for the Scull fight, Verde returns to the ring on July 12 in Sinaloa, Mexico. For Valdez, it is Verde who has the greatest chance to take the baton from "Canelo" and carry 'the flag for Mexico' going forward, he said.
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Canelo Alvarez Vs. Terence Crawford Fight Set For Sept. 12 In Vegas
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Terence Crawford face off after Alvarez ... More beat William Scull on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Canelo Alvarez has his next fight booked, and it is against Terence Crawford. On Saturday night, Alvarez once again unified the super middleweight titles, winning back the IBF crown he never lost in the ring with a 12-round unanimous decision win over William Scull at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Not long after the win, it was announced that Alvarez will put his IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring titles on the line against Terence Crawford on September 12 in Las Vegas. The matchup takes place at Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders. Fans watching the Alvarez vs. Scull fight had to suspect the plan was to book Alvarez vs. Crawford as the American boxer was in attendance in Riyadh on Saturday, and when he made his way through the ropes after Alvarez's hand was raised with scores of 119-109, 116-112 and 115-113, the announcement was a foregone conclusion. The 37-year-old Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs), last fought in August, defeating Israil Madrimov to win the WBA light middleweight title and vacant WBO interim light middleweight belt. Prior to that fight, Crawford became the undisputed welterweight champion with a ninth-round TKO win over Errol Spence Jr in 2023. The win over Madrimov was Crawford's first fight over 147 pounds (154). He will be stepping up to 168 pounds to face Alvarez in Vegas. Crawford was also the undisputed light welterweight champion when he knocked out Julius Indongo in 2017. The 34-year-old Alvarez (63-2-2 with 39 KOs) has been competing mostly at super middleweight since 2020. The win over Scull moved his 168-pound record to 11-0. After his win over Scull, Alvarez said he expects a much more spirited affair when he faces Crawford in September. "I don't like to fight those kinds of guys," Alvarez said. "They came to just survive to the final round. That's why I don't like to fight them. It won't be that kind of fight [against Crawford] We will have more on the upcoming Alvarez vs. Crawford bout, including opening betting odds as fight night nears.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Boxing-Alvarez outpoints Scull to reclaim undisputed super middleweight championship
Boxing - Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs William Scull - Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship - ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 3, 2025 General view of William Scull and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez during their super middleweight fight REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Boxing - Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs William Scull - Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship - ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 3, 2025 Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez interacts with William Scull after winning his super middleweight fight REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Boxing - Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs William Scull - Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship - ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 3, 2025 Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in action during his super middleweight fight against William Scull REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Boxing - Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs William Scull - Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship - ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 3, 2025 William Scull in action during his super middleweight fight against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Boxing - Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs William Scull - Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship - ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - May 3, 2025 Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in action during his super middleweight fight against William Scull REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saul "Canelo" Alvarez re-unified the IBF super middleweight championship with his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO belts with a unanimous decision victory over William Scull on Sunday, setting up a bout with former welterweight champion Terence Crawford in September. Cuba's Scull, who had an advantage in height and reach over Alvarez, was unable to find an answer to the Mexican's methodical stalking and effective body blows as he suffered the first loss of his professional boxing career. "For me it's a boring fight. (Scull was) not trying to win, just trying to survive. I hate these kinds of fights," Alvarez said in his post-fight interview after all three judges awarded him the victory (115-113, 116-112, 119-109). Alvarez, who was stripped of the IBF strap last year after choosing to fight Edgar Berlanga over the sanctioning body's number one contender Scull, has now become the undisputed 168-pound champion for the second time. Scull's quick movements were not enough to evade Alvarez's steady onslaught early on as the Mexican landed strong body blows in the second and fourth rounds, leaving Scull momentarily off balance. Alvarez, fighting outside the United States and Mexico for the first time, continued stalking the Cuban in the fifth round, but Scull fought back, breaking Alvarez's guard with a right uppercut and pushing him back before catching him with a counter. "Don't let this guy get bigger and more confident," Alvarez's corner warned him at the end of the sixth round after Scull caught him with another right hand before Alvarez responded with body shots. Alvarez landed combinations to the body in the seventh round, and caught Scull with a lead left hook near the ropes in the eighth. Measured attacks to the body continued from Alvarez, as he landed 40 body blows in the bout while Scull managed only six, claiming the 63rd win of his professional career. Alvarez, 34, said he was looking forward to returning to the ring against undefeated Crawford. "Crawford is one of the best out there, I like to share the ring with that kind of a fighter. It's my pleasure," he said. American Crawford, who became the undisputed welterweight champion with a knockout win over Errol Spence Jr. in 2023, said he was ready to take on Alvarez as they faced off in the ring. "In September I'll show the world what greatness looks like," Crawford said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who won the Canelo fight? Top highlights from Canelo vs. Scull in Saudi Arabia
Canelo Alvarez added another belt to his collection after winning in Saudi Arabia by unanimous decision. Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) secured the victory over William Scull after 12 rounds, aiming for his first knockout since 2021, but that will have to wait. Advertisement DAZN commentators were severely critical of Scull's performance, expressing their displeasure about his constant movement during the match. Alvarez is no stranger to boxing matches during Cinco de Mayo celebrations; his first match and unanimous decision victory came against Shane Mosley on May 5, 2012. William Scull, a 32-year-old Cuban, is now 23-1 with 9 KOs. Alvarez owns the WBC, WBA and WBO belts. Scull won the IBF belt when he beat Vladimir Shishkin. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: William Scull avoids a punch from Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and William Scull (L-R) on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and William Scull (L-R) on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: William Scull (L) and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez makes his Ring Walk ahead of their super middleweight fight against William Scull on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez makes his Ring Walk ahead of their super middleweight fight against William Scull on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: William Scull makes his Ring Walk ahead of their super middleweight fight against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Canelo fight results: Highlights from Saturday night boxing match
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull UK start time, TV channel and full undercard
Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull UK start time, TV channel and full undercard Canelo Alvarez and William Scull face off at the ANB Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Going up against Mexican Canelo Alvarez is "El Indomable". (Image: (Photo by) ) Canelo Alvarez is back in the ring for the first time since September and will face Cuban fighter William Scull. Thirty-four-year-old Alvarez has not lost a fight since 2022, where he was beaten by Dmitry Bivol. Since then, he has ruled mighty over Gennadiy Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga. The Mexican has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, and this bout will be his first in the Middle East, and his first outside of the Americas. Scull has been training in Spain ahead of this fight, and was been pictured with British fighter Conor Benn at Metasport Gym in Mallorca. He's a rising name aiming to establish himself in the upper echelons of professional boxing. Article continues below Here's everything you need to know about the fight, it's being billed as 'Fatal Fury: City of Wolves'. What time does Canelo v Scull start? Canelo vs Scull will take place at around 4am UK time on Sunday, May 4, at the ANB Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Viewing details Canelo v Scull is being shown live on DAZN pay-per-view. It costs £21.99 and can be viewed on the DAZN app on smart TV, mobile phone, tablet and desktop. Who's on the undercard? MAIN EVENT: Canelo Álvarez vs. William Scull – Super Middleweight Jaime Munguía vs. Bruno Surace – Super Middleweight Martin Bakole vs. Efe Ajagba – Heavyweight Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian – Cruiserweight Marco Verde vs. Michel Polina – Light Middleweight Brayan Leon vs. Aaron Guerrero – Middleweight Quotes corner Canelo Alvarez: "He's a good fighter," the Mexican told DAZN. "He's a good fighter. He knows how to use his reach. He's fast, and he knows how to use the ring. But I have already fought everybody. "It's going to be difficult at the beginning of the fight, and then I need to figure it out. Every fighter brings you a challenge and I'm going to find out that day. "He's fast, he moves a lot, he's very difficult. I think he's going to be a challenge for me. But no disrespect to him, I don't take anything easy. I've fought everybody and I'm ready for everything. I feel confident because of my training and I feel ready for anything." William Scull: "I'm thrilled to be here. And I'm ready to show the world that yes, we can." the Cuban told Queensbury Promotions. "Nothing comes easy in boxing, everyone knows that. Article continues below "Everything I've earned has been through shutting doubters up. I feel firm and sure of myself, and the winner on May 3 won't be decided until the final round." "I rely on my fundamentals, and I've sacrificed a lot to be here. I want people to know that anything is possible. I'm a humble warrior that's proud to represent my fellow Cubans and I'm ready to shock the world with an upset."
