Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AP) – A few moments after Canelo Alvarez pushed William Scull to become the undisputed champion of medium weights, he faces Terence crawford In the same ring in Riyadh to promote a force test in September.
Alvarez has become a Undisputed champion in the division for the second time When the judges marked his fight Ho-Human early Sunday, Saudi local time against Scull 115-113, 116-112, 119-109. The 34-year-old Mexican boxer improved at 63-2-2, with 39 Knockouts, and is undefeated in 10 fights in the middle weight category.
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The decision had barely been announced before the Turki Alshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority of SAUDI Arabia, did not enter the ring and ordered him to have fun so that he could bring Champion with four crawford divisions Outside the crowd to face Alvarez, who wore a belt around his waist, another on his shoulder and holding one in each arm.
“Now we want to make the face for the fight of the century,” Alashikh told the crowd, “between the two great fighters of our generation.”
Alvarez is a four -weight world champion and has entered the fight against Scull with WBA, WBC and WBO titles at 168 pounds. Crawford, 37 years old (41-0), won titles in four average weight divisions with light average weight.
Alvarez was stripped of the IBF belt last July when he refused to make a compulsory defense against Scull. He had had this title since November 2021 When he defeated Caleb Plant.
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The fight against Scull was not up to the overhaul. The scull born in Cuba entered undefeated in 23 professional fights. He has constantly moved, dodging, mixing and frustrating Alvarez, who said later that he hated fighting this style of boxers.
Alvarez was fighting outside the United States or Mexico for the first time and had to make many adjustments, including the time zone. The fighters entered the ring and the hymns started around 6:20 a.m. (11:20 p.m. on Saturday) for the main fight in Riyadh, synchronized, so he was at great listening hours on the American West Coast.
The opening rounds were slow, the two boxers feeling for the range and the intensity was gradually rising with Scull launching much more punches but not enough landing. Alvarez, on the other hand, remained patient and landed the bodies. In the end, Alvarez launched almost half as many punches as Scull (152-293) but landed one more (56-55), mainly power fire to the body.
“It's good, we have won. We are here with the title of champion,” said Alvarez, adding that neither the time of fight nor the quality of the competition was a problem because he would not have much time to prepare. “I am a champion. I am a professional, so that's it, no excuse or anything. ”
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As for the September 12 force test against Crawford, who will intensify a weight to face Alvarez?
“I feel good. Crawford is one of the best and, you know, I like to share the ring with this kind of fighter,” he said. “It's my pleasure.”
Crawford was in the crowd looking in the Saudi capital.
“I feel good. I feel blessed. Things happen for a reason, and there is a reason why I am here,” he said. “In September, I show the world what grandeur looks like.” ___
Boxing AP: https://apnews.com/boxing
