In the early hours of Sunday, May 4 in Saudi Arabia, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez secured a unanimous decision win over William Scull. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109 in favor of the Mexican, who retained his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion.
More than a week later, reactions continue to surface about what many consider a disappointing fight. While Canelo struggled to find openings, Scull focused on avoiding exchanges throughout all 12 rounds. That cautious approach did not sit well with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, who didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“It was disappointing the attitude of Scull,” Sulaiman said during his traditional Martes de Cafe appearance. “Really when you’re there you’re watching it, on television you can also see, but when you’re there, stuck to the ring, how he shamefully refused, not even the exchange of any way. It was shameful — dances, side steps backwards.”
Sulaiman: “He did nothing to win the fight”
Sulaiman didn’t mince words in labeling Scull’s performance a letdown, suggesting the Cuban’s overly defensive strategy bordered on disrespect. “From Scull’s side, absolutely yes (it was disrespectful), because boxing is boxing. You can have a strategy — tire out your opponent, frustrate him, dominate him, and then do something to win,” he explained. “But he did nothing to win the fight, only survive, and showed us that salsa is beautiful — and that he dances it very well.”
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 Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
The WBC president’s remarks highlighted his broader concern that a bout between two of the division’s top fighters failed to meet expectations or serve as a showcase for the sport.
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Sulaiman also criticized Canelo’s performance
While Scull received the harshest critique, Canelo Alvarez was not immune to Sulaiman’s disapproval. He acknowledged that the setting may have played a role in the Mexican champion’s underwhelming display.
“In Saul’s case, I think it did have an important effect having fought in Saudi Arabia, a place so far from home, where the altitude and the air is very heavy,” he stated. “There were no people, the motivation that your audience gives you was not there.”
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Sulaiman noted that the lack of atmosphere impacted Canelo’s energy and focus. “I feel that Saul did not have that extra motivation, necessary,” he concluded. “He did enough to win against a guy who refuses to fight. He has a lot of experience, he does not need to do other things. It was an event that left a sad touch in boxing.”
