In an unexpected turn of events, unified super middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez opted to skip Wednesday's scheduled public workout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raising eyebrows among media personnel and fans gathered for the pre-fight showcase.
The Mexican boxing star's absence from the promotional event, which precedes his May 3 bout against Cuban challenger William Scull, came without official explanation from his team. Television broadcasts suggested Alvarez prioritized his physical and mental preparation over the public appearance, with reports indicating a potential 'conflict with his training.'
This decision aligns with Alvarez's historical approach to fight preparation. The champion has previously bypassed public workouts, preferring to shield his strategy from view and minimize distractions before significant bouts.
Canelo recently acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to Saudi Arabia's time difference and conditions, stating earlier this week, 'For the past four days I have felt more acclimatized.' The logistical hurdles of competing in the Middle East appear to have influenced his preparation routine, with the upcoming fight scheduled for an unusual 6:00 a.m. local start time in Riyadh.
According to Statbet analysis, championship boxers who maintain strict training protocols and minimize public appearances in the final days before fights historically perform better in title defenses.
While Alvarez remained absent, other fighters on the card including Jaime Munguia, Marco Verde, and Alvarez's opponent William Scull participated fully in the public workout, engaging with international media and fans.
Fight enthusiasts anticipate Canelo will make his next public appearance at Thursday's press conference, where he's expected to share the stage with Scull and potentially address his workout absence. Meanwhile, his team under trainer Eddy Reynoso continues fine-tuning preparations in their Saudi Arabia training camp as Alvarez seeks to reinforce his standing among boxing's modern greats.
