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The Canelo-Scull Bout: A Technical Breakdown of What Worked and What Didn’t
When Saul “Canelo” Alvarez stepped into the ring against William Scull in Riyadh, expectations were sky-high. Here was a four-division champion, a fighter synonymous with explosive combinations and tactical brilliance, facing a relatively unknown but technically sound Cuban contender. What unfolded, however, was a chess match that left fans divided—a fight where strategy overshadowed spectacle.
The Tactical Stalemate
From Round 1, Scull’s game plan was evident: neutralize Canelo’s counterpunching by refusing to engage. He circled the ring, flicked jabs, and clinched whenever Canelo closed distance. This wasn’t the toe-to-toe aggression fans associate with Canelo’s bouts; it was a survivalist approach.
Canelo, accustomed to opponents who trade blows, struggled to adjust. His signature body hooks found mostly elbows and forearms. His overhand rights, usually fight-enders, were dodged or smothered. By Round 6, frustration crept in—Canelo began loading up on single power shots, abandoning his trademark combinations.
The Judges’ Dilemma
The scoring (115-113, 116-112, 119-109) revealed a rift in interpretation. The 119-109 card was indefensible—Scull clearly won at least 3 rounds by landing cleaner, albeit sparse, counters. The wider scores likely reflected Canelo’s *perceived* aggression, but the reality was a fight with fewer than 15 meaningful power punches landed per round.
The Hidden Successes
Beneath the criticism, two elements stood out:
The Road Ahead: Crawford and Legacy
This fight exposed a vulnerability: Canelo struggles with movers who refuse to brawl. Terence Crawford, a switch-hitting maestro with sharper footwork than Scull, poses a nightmare matchup. For Canelo to win, he must:
– Cut the ring smarter: Use feints to trap Crawford near ropes.
– Invest in the body early: Slow Crawford’s mobility by Round 5.
Final Verdict: A Necessary Evil
While far from a classic, the Scull fight served a purpose. It proved Canelo can win ugly—a skill he’ll need against Crawford. But for a fighter chasing all-time-great status, “winning ugly” won’t suffice forever. The Riyadh bout was a checkpoint, not a destination. The real test comes next.
—The Path Forward Demands Fireworks
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Key Features of This Analysis:
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