Canelo Speaks Out On Cuban Test And Why He Took Deal With Turki Al-Sheikh

Canelo is ready to become undisputed champion at the super middleweight for the second time if he takes back his IBF title from William Scull on May 3, 2025. With all the talk going around that William Scull is not that much of a preferred opponent for him after a potential David Benavidez fight failed to take place.

Canelo (62-2-2, 39 KOs) will be heading to Saudi Arabia for his first fight outside North America to face William Scull (23-0, 9 KOs). This will be the first fight of his four-fight deal with Turki Al-Sheikh (the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority) that will take place at Anb Arena in Riyadh. The arena is located in the Hittin neighbourhood and is equipped with modern audiovisual technology.

Canelo decided to turn down a fight with Jake Paul just before he penned down this lucrative deal. Canelo was just about agree to fight the You Tuber in Las Vegas in May but gave a last-minute U-turn and instead chose to fight William Scull for all four super-middleweight belts in Saudi Arabia.

Canelo went ahead to tell Jake Paul to wait until his career is over in order to face him in the ring. When asked about his decision, he had this to say.

“I think I did the correct thing with Turki Al-Sheikh. That is the way I feel. I think there is so much potential in the future and that is why we chose to be working with him. Because Scull is better for me as an opponent at this point in my career. I just want to continue making history. I don’t even call boxing Paul a fight, it is more of an event than a fight. That event can wait until I retire,” said Canelo in a press conference.

On his fight against his fellow world champion William Scull, “it is going to be a difficult fight against a complicated style of boxing like the Cuban Style. I am going to try my best to hurt my opponent on May 3. I am not thinking about September (possible fight against Crawford). I am 100 percent focused on Scull for May 3. Fighting in Saudi Arabia is something new for me, but I am ready to fight anywhere because Canelo’s territory is everywhere worldwide,” said Canelo.

With William Scull also eager and ready to face Canelo, he also had a few words to say too.

“I am ready to show the world that yes, we can. Nothing comes easy in boxing, everyone knows that. Everything I have earned has been through shutting doubters up. I feel firm and sure of myself, and the winner on May 3 won’t be decided until the final round. I rely on my fundamentals, and I have sacrificed a lot to be here. I want people to know that anything is possible. I am a humble warrior that is proud to represent my fellow Cubans and I am ready to shock the world with an upset on May 3,” said Scull.