Another evening, another Canelo Alvarez matchup, and yet again, boxing fans are left feeling let down. Canelo secured a unanimous decision victory over William Scull, but the excitement was sorely missing. This trend has to change, especially with a fighter like Terence Crawford on the horizon.
In his recent fight in Riyadh, Canelo threw just 152 punches, marking one of the lowest outputs in boxing history. He won the fight with scores of 119-109, 116-112, and 115-113, but fans were hoping for something much more thrilling. Scull, his opponent, showed little interest in actually competing, resorting instead to survival tactics around the ring. He only connected on 55 of his 293 punches, failing to pose any significant threat to Canelo.
Canelo’s journey since losing to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022 has raised eyebrows. He’s focused on financial gain, taking matches against lesser opponents, and leaving fans craving more. His choice to fight aging rivals instead of contenders like David Benavidez has been particularly frustrating. Instead of rising to the challenge, it seems he’s chosen easier paths for a quick payday.
Interestingly, this pattern isn’t just about Canelo. Other fighters, like Jake Paul, have found unexpected popularity by being more willing to engage. While Paul may not be the ideal opponent, he brings a sense of unpredictability that fans appreciate. In contrast, Canelo’s fights have felt too safe. He often lets his opponents off the hook, prioritizing their survival over delivering a knockout performance.
The upcoming fight against Crawford on September 12 at Allegiant Stadium could change everything. Although Canelo will have a size advantage, Crawford’s skill and determination may force him out of his comfort zone. Crawford is known for his aggressive style, which could push Canelo into a real fight for the first time in years.
As Canelo enters this new phase of his career, fans are hoping for more excitement. The latest reports from the boxing community indicate that viewers want to see high-stakes matches featuring the sport’s best. Canelo needs to step up and meet that expectation, especially as he continues his lucrative deal with the Riyadh Season.
This is a pivotal moment for Canelo Alvarez. The question remains: will he embrace the challenge, or continue to play it safe? Fans certainly deserve better. For an athlete of his caliber, the expectation is clear: deliver thrilling bouts and stay true to the spirit of boxing.
As boxing evolves, the sport’s leading figures must be willing to participate in challenging and engaging matchups. The future of boxing is bright, but it requires stars like Canelo to step up when it matters most. Let’s hope the fight with Crawford delivers the excitement that’s been missing lately.