Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 30, 2025 – Boxing’s pound-for-pound king, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, is set to make his Saudi Arabian debut against IBF super middleweight champion William Scull in a unification bout on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at ANB Arena.
The blockbuster event, headlining the “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves” card, will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide, with ring walks expected around 11:00 PM ET (6:00 AM local time on May 4). This clash marks the first of Canelo’s four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, promising a global spectacle for fight fans.
The final press conference livestream will air this Friday, May 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM PST on DAZN’s YouTube channel. Fans worldwide can tune in to witness the verbal sparring and intense face-off as these two warriors set the stage for their blockbuster showdown.
Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs), the reigning WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight champion, aims to reclaim the IBF title he vacated in July 2024 after opting not to face Scull as his mandatory challenger. Instead, Alvarez dominated Edgar Berlanga via unanimous decision in September 2024, solidifying his status as the division’s top dog. Now, the 34-year-old Mexican superstar is determined to become a two-time undisputed champion, a feat that would further cement his Hall-of-Fame legacy. “I feel great about fighting in Saudi Arabia,” Canelo said at the Kick Off press conference. “This fight is very important to me. I never take anything easy, and I’m going to put on a good show.”
Standing in his way is the undefeated William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs), a 32-year-old Cuban now based in Berlin, Germany, known as “El Indomable.” Scull earned the IBF title in October 2024 with a unanimous decision victory over Vladimir Shishkin, showcasing his slick boxing skills and resilience. Despite being a heavy underdog at 19/2 odds compared to Canelo’s 1/50, Scull exudes confidence. “I’m ready to display my talents and shut everybody up,” Scull declared. “I rely on my skills, and I’m going to give the fans a great fight.”
The fight, set for 12 rounds at the 168-pound limit, is a clash of contrasting styles. Canelo, with a 63% knockout rate, brings devastating power and veteran savvy, having faced elite opponents like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol. Scull, with a 39% knockout rate, relies on technical precision and movement, but his lack of experience against top-tier competition makes him a wildcard. Analysts note that Scull’s 3-inch height advantage and 2-inch reach edge could pose challenges, but Canelo’s 43 additional fights and unmatched ring IQ make him the overwhelming favorite.
Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull Press Conference Video
The ANB Arena, a state-of-the-art venue with a retractable roof and a capacity of 15,000–20,000, will host this historic event, marking Canelo’s first professional fight outside North America. The timing, adjusted to 9:00 PM Mexican time at Canelo’s request, ensures accessibility for his massive fanbase in Mexico. Fans can purchase the PPV for $59.99 (US), £21.99 (UK), or $24.99 (rest of world), or opt for DAZN’s Knockout Weekend Bundle for $90 (US), which includes the May 2 Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero card. A seven-day DAZN free trial is also available with PPV purchases.
