2 weeks Ago By Harvey Burton, Bloody Knockout
Canelo Alvarez will face William Scull in a bid to become a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion. Canelo continues to strive for greatness as he takes on IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull this Cinco De Mayo weekend. Scull has been criticized as a lacklustre opponent for Alvarez, though his belt makes the fight Canelo’s one chance to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion for the second time.
No boxer has ever done this before. In fact, no boxer has ever become undisputed at super-middleweight even once. Canelo has always aimed for great heights, but it was his loss to Dmitry Bivol that potentially culled one of Canelo’s loftiest ambitions – a cruiserweight world title.
Canelo set his sights on Ilunga Makabu’s cruiserweight title Canelo defeated Sergey Kovalev for the light-heavyweight title in his first appearance in the division. His second attempt was not as successful, as he lost to Bivol by unanimous decision. It was this loss that stopped Canelo from aiming for a title in his fifth division.
Speaking with ESPN , Eddy Reynoso said of the fight with Ilunga Makabu, the WBC cruiserweight champion: “I know what he has done with the heavyweights he spars with, and that is why we asked for the fight [...
] We know that [Makabu] is strong, but Canelo can beat him.” Canelo has sparred heavyweight Frank Sanchez , and Reynoso believed he had what it takes to win a cruiserweight title. Makabu was 29-2 at the time Canelo faced Bivol, having lost only to Tony Bellew , and in his debut back in 2008.
However, since Canelo’s loss to Bivol, Makabu lost his title against Badou Jack, who punched two referees in his career, on the undercard of Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury . Canelo’s next opponent has had almost 400 fights Canelo’s next opponent, William Scull, earned the IBF title after his win over Vladimir Shishkin, who he defeated by unanimous decision. Scull, who has sparred Conor Benn , has a record of 23-0 with only nine knockouts.
However, it is his amateur background where he has far more experience. According to BoxingNews , Scull has had 364 amateur bouts before his pro career. Despite this, the Cuban never competed in the Olympics or any world championships.
His record is hard to find, and details are sparse, though it seems his amateur career’s heights may have only been national level, if that. This article first appeared on Bloody Knockout and was syndicated with permission..
