Canelo Alvarez has the chance to become a two-time undisputed super-middleweight champion as he fights William Scull in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
The 34-year-old holds the WBC, WBO and WBA straps at 168lbs. but was stripped of his IBF last year after pursuing a clash with Edgar Berlanga rather than mandatory challenger Scull.
Scull took advantage of that to beat Vladimir Shishkin in October and claim the vacant title, and now gets his shot to pull off a huge upset against the biggest name of them all.
Canelo has 66 professional fights to his name in what has been a gruelling career, but he remains dominant at super-middleweight after wins over Berlanga, Jaime Munguia and Jermell Charlo over the past 18 months.
The Mexican has signed a four-fight deal with the Saudis and victory over Scull would set the stage for a blockbuster showdown with Terence Crawford in September.
That would see two pound-for-pound greats go head-to-head in an event few believed to be realistic, even if Crawford would be hugely disadvantaged by having to move so far up in weight.
The prospect of a return to light-heavyweight to once again challenge for Dmitry Bivol also remains a possibility, after Canelo was beaten when challenging for the WBA title at 175lbs in 2022.
Canelo vs Scull fight date and venue
Canelo Alvaraz vs William Scull will take place on Saturday May 3, 2025 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Canelo vs Scull fight time and ring walks
The timings for the card have not yet been made official, but it can be expected to follow a similar pattern to previous fights in Arabia.
The undercard is likely to get underway at around 6pm BST, with ring walks for the main event at around 10:30pm.
How to watch Canelo vs Scull
TV channel: In the UK, Garcia vs Romero is being shown live via DAZN pay-per-view at a cost of £21.99. However, if bought with the PPV for the Times Square event the previous night, which includes the likes of Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, it is £34.99 for the two cards.
Live stream: Those who have purchased the fight via DAZN can watch online via their website and app. Coverage is set to begin at 10:30pm BST.
Canelo vs Scull undercard
Jaime Munguia attempts to get his career back on track after a frustrating 2024.
The Mexican began last year with a 43-0 record but was beaten by Canelo in May and then was stopped by Bruno Surace in December, with Munguia getting his shot at revenge as the chief support on this card.
Martin Bakole is also in action, fighting for the first time since he was brutally beaten when called in as a late-replacement opponent for Joseph Parker in February.
Badou Jack, now 41, returns after more than two years out to fight Noel Mikaelian, while Richard Riakporhe will make his heavyweight debut earlier in the night.
Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull
Bruno Surace vs Jaime Munguia
Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba
Badou Jack vs Noel Mikaelian
Marco Verde vs Michel Polina
Brayan Leon vs Aaron Guerrero
Richard Riakporhe vs TBC
Canelo vs Scull prediction
Questions continue over whether Canelo is slowing down, which would be no real surprise considering the miles on the clock.
He has now been fighting as a professional for 20 years and taking on the toughest tests over the past decade, with only a step up to light-heavyweight halting his progress in recent years.
The Saudis will be desperate for their four-fight association with Canelo to get off to a successful start, particularly with plans for a Crawford bout very much on the agenda.
Canelo must forget about that for now and he can be expected to do so, with the incentive of becoming a two-time undisputed champion at 168lbs an obvious one.
His last five wins have all come over the distance, displays of control rather than explosive power, and a swift conclusion appears unlikely here.
Scull has never been beaten, even if this is a huge step up from his previous opponents, and he has the height and reach advantage to at least make this slightly awkward for Canelo.
That could lead to Canelo looking to the body more than usual, slowing Scull down on his way and potentially forcing the stoppage late on.
Canelo to win by stoppage, round ten
Canelo vs Scull weigh-in results
The fighters will take to the scales on Friday - check back in then for the results!
Canelo vs Scull latest odds
Canelo to win: 1/33
Scull to win: 12/1
Draw: 33/1
Canelo to win on points or by decision: 7/4
Canelo to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 4/9
Scull to win on points or by decision: 25/1
Scull to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 19/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
