The IBF mandated Saul Alvarez to defend his Super Middleweight title against William Scull.
Much to his angst and displeasure, the Mexican Superstar opted to vacate the belt; he wasn't the least interested in facing Scull.
But who's William Scull?
The 31 year old Cuban is an orthodox boxer currently residing in Berlin, Germany.
He debuted on November 11, 2016 against Gaston Dario Avalos ( 2-3) in San Carlos, Argentina; winning by a first round knockout.
Scull fought in Argentina until his tenth bout against Ivan Sakic ( 1-27) which was staged in Germany on November10, 2018.
He destroyed Sakic in two.
Scull, nicknamed "El Indomitable ", won his first title; the IBO International Super Middleweight title ( vacant) in February, 2021. He defeated Gino Kanters ( 8-3-2) by unanimous decision.
He also clinched the IBF Latino Super Middleweight title in November of that same year; knocking out Deneb Diaz ( 16-1) in just a couple of rounds.
Standing at 5"11, Scull's best win against a notable opponent would probably be his unanimous victory over then undefeated California-based Russian puncher Evgeny Shvedenko ( 15-0).
His resumè, though cannot be downplayed, isn't really top notch.
Nowhere near a fighter who should share the ring with the " Face Of Boxing " ( arguably).
The only time Scull has fought Stateside was barely three weeks ago on May 4. So in a commercial sense, the dude is bad for business.
And at this point in Canelo's career, it's about legacy and lucre - nothing else.
What does a win against an unknown William Scull do for Canelo?? Well... nothing.
How would the bout have gone had it happened?? My prediction : a brutal butchering of Scull's skull.
Maybe Canelo should have just taken the fight to retain his undisputed status.
But Canelo relinquishing that IBF belt could be the one good thing that has happened to the division in a while: it gives other fighters the opportunity to hold a legitimate strap at 168lbs.
Boxers like David Morrell Jnr can explore further and perhaps David Benavidez would have a change of mind and return to 168.
But Canelo Alvarez never made a mistake in refusing to fight Scull and vacating the IBF title: he's the king, he does as he wishes.
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