Once Canelo Alvarez announces his next fight, speculation and debate ensue. But the recent reveal of his match against IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull has left many disappointed and feeling overlooked; such as former WBO champ Janibek Alimkhanuly who tweeted out their confusion and desire to fight Alvarez through Twitter.
Alimkhanuly’s tweet presented Alvarez with an obvious challenge regarding his choice of opponents, asking why Alvarez hadn’t selected to face him while holding two titles. Alimkhanuly was responding to wider criticism that had arisen following Dmitry Bivol’s defeat when Alvarez entered light heavyweight competition a month prior; after this loss Alvarez chose Gennady Golovkin again even though both men already shared history between them. This decision caused controversy.
Among the critics is also David Benavidez’s camp, which claims Alvarez turned down a $70M offer to fight Benavidez. This highlights a pattern of Alvarez avoiding certain fighters, according to some fans and insiders. Alimkhanuly, who boasts titles in the middleweight division, stands as another example of a potential contender seemingly ignored by Alvarez.
Álvarez’s Controversial Opponent Choice
The upcoming fight set for May 3, 2025, sees Álvarez aiming to reclaim his status as the undisputed champion in the super-middleweight division. However, William Scull, despite being the current IBF super-middleweight champion, is considered by many as an unlikely match for Álvarez, whose record overshadows Scull’s. Betting odds starkly favor Álvarez, further suggesting that this match might be little more than a warm-up for more challenging fights ahead, such as the anticipated bout with Terence Crawford.
Alvarez’s choice of Scull has received mixed reactions within the boxing community, with some viewing it as disappointing and underwhelming. Oscar De La Hoya admitted not knowing much about Scull when discussing it and shared similar sentiments that it might not live up to expectations. Yet Alvarez is set to face Scull in what many hope will serve as a stepping stone toward more high-profile matches.
This situation highlights the complex dynamics of boxing matchups, as well as ongoing discussions regarding who deserves to face whom. As Alvarez gears up for his fight next, boxing fans around the globe watch closely in anticipation of whether and when he takes on challengers like Alimkhanuly or Benavidez — hoping they might prove themselves against some of boxing’s elite fighters.