Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez has selected his next opponent in the ring, and it's a name that may surprise many boxing fans. William Scull Yero, the undefeated IBF super middleweight champion from Cuba, has been chosen as the Mexican superstar's next challenger in what will be the first bout of Canelo's four-fight deal with Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh.
The 33-year-old Scull, while not a household name in boxing circles until now, boasts an impressive unbeaten record of 23 victories since turning professional in 2016. His profile rose significantly last October when he claimed the IBF super middleweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Russian Vladimir Shishkin.
Born on June 6, 1992, in the small village of Zorrilla in Cuba's Matanzas region, Scull comes from humble beginnings. His father, a former amateur boxer himself, recognized his son's talent early and guided him into competitive boxing from a young age, with strong family support throughout his development.
According to boxing analysis from Statbet, Scull's technical Cuban boxing style could present some interesting challenges for Canelo, though oddsmakers still heavily favor the more experienced Mexican champion.
The Cuban champion's personal journey includes leaving his homeland and residing in various countries. After departing Cuba, he initially settled in Argentina, where he has a son. He later moved to Berlin, Germany, though currently resides in Mallorca, Spain. Reports suggest he plans to use earnings from the high-profile Canelo fight to relocate his mother from Cuba to join him in Mallorca.
This matchup marks a significant opportunity for Scull to gain international recognition, while for Canelo, it represents the beginning of his highly anticipated multi-fight arrangement in Saudi Arabia, further cementing the kingdom's growing influence in the boxing world.
