Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez is currently immersed in preparation for his upcoming defense of the WBO, WBA, and WBC super-middleweight titles against William Scull, the IBF champion in the same division. As the bout draws near, renowned boxing analyst and Televisa Deportes commentator Carlos Aguilar shared a striking personal anecdote about experiencing the power behind the Mexican champion’s punches during a sparring session.
In an interview with Zar Aguilar on the Escorpión Dorado YouTube channel, Carlos Aguilar recalled a training session he once shared with Canelo. During that exchange, the Guadalajara-born boxer landed a couple of straight punches that Aguilar confessed caused him significant pain. The commentator vividly described one of Álvarez’s unique techniques: “He hits with the knuckle of the index finger in an uppercut motion to the shoulders. It’s a technique Canelo began using—and I really felt the pain,” Aguilar recounted.
The analyst elaborated on the strategic purpose behind this move, explaining that Canelo uses it to wear down his opponent’s arm in hopes of lowering their guard. “It’s the classic sleeper. The blow lands, and you feel your body seize up. The day Canelo did it, the pain wasn’t in my shoulder—it was in my head!” he exclaimed, illustrating the sheer force of the punch.
Sparring with legends: Aguilar’s unique perspective
For Carlos Aguilar, stepping into the ring with top-tier boxers is not unusual. Over the years, he has shared sparring sessions with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao, and Marco Antonio Barrera. During his session with Canelo, he even received advice on how to manage the headaches that often come after enduring such powerful blows.
This anecdote reflects not only Canelo’s brutal efficiency in the ring, but also his generosity and camaraderie toward those in the boxing world, including analysts and media figures.
Canelo gears up for Saudi Arabia debut
On Saturday, May 3, Canelo will step into the ring for the first time in Saudi Arabia, defending his titles against Scull. The Cuban-born fighter is known for a unique style that focuses less on knockout power and more on physically wearing down opponents over time. Scull’s strategy revolves around maintaining distance and exhausting rivals, rather than delivering highlight-reel combinations or finishing blows.
SURVEY What do you think of Canelo Álvarez's punching power based on the Televisa commentator's experience?
What do you think of Canelo Álvarez's punching power based on the Televisa commentator's experience?
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For Canelo, the key to victory will be to counter Scull’s endurance-based approach with explosive power and tactical control. His ability to break through Scull’s defenses will be crucial as he looks to make a dominant statement in his Middle East debut.