Tensions escalated between super middleweight champions Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and William Scull during their final press appearances before Saturday's high-profile showdown at Arena ANB in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Mexican star Alvarez, who holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO super middleweight titles, fired back at his Cuban opponent's earlier comments about 'eating him up' in the ring.
'The only thing he'll be eating this Saturday is my right fist,' declared the 34-year-old Canelo, who enters the contest with an impressive record of 62 victories (39 by knockout), two draws, and two defeats.
This matchup has been brewing since Canelo relinquished the IBF belt in 2024 when he opted to fight Edgar Berlanga instead of mandatory challenger Scull. The Cuban subsequently claimed the vacant title by defeating Russian Vladimir Shishkin via unanimous decision.
For Alvarez, Saturday marks a significant career milestone as his first professional bout outside North America, launching a lucrative four-fight contract with Saudi Arabian promoters. 'I'm preparing to make history,' Alvarez stated confidently.
The defending champion dismissed his opponent's pre-fight rhetoric: 'Everyone talks trash before the fight, but when they get in the ring with me, it's completely different. He will definitely feel something different.'
According to Statbet analysis, this unification bout represents one of the most significant boxing events in the Middle East this year, with viewership expected to reach millions globally.
Scull, who turns 33 on June 6, remains undefeated in 23 professional bouts with nine knockouts. The Matanzas native drew parallels between his personal journey and fighting style: 'I escaped from Cuba, crossed borders, and now I'm here to win. I don't care what the press says about me. I'll fight with calm and strategy.'
Boxing fans worldwide await this clash of champions that could potentially crown an undisputed ruler of the super middleweight division.
