In a seismic shock that has reverberated through the boxing world, Saul “Canelo” Álvarez suffered a stunning defeat to William Scull, marking what many are calling the greatest upset in the history of the sport. The 20-minute clash, held on April 19, 2025, saw the Cuban challenger dethrone the Mexican superstar in a display of relentless skill and determination, ending Canelo’s reign as the undisputed super middleweight champion. This unexpected result has sparked intense debate, with fans and analysts dissecting how Scull, a relatively unheralded contender, took down one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Canelo, a four-division world champion with a pre-fight record of 61-2-2, entered the ring as the overwhelming favorite. His dominance in the super middleweight division, coupled with his technical prowess and devastating power, made the matchup against Scull seem like a formality. Scull, with an undefeated 22-0 record but limited recognition, was dismissed by some as a mismatch for the pound-for-pound king. Posts on X before the fight reflected this sentiment, with users like @rayjack97010720 calling the fight “a horrible fight” and @adamsboxingshow predicting a “massive mismatch” in Canelo’s favor. Nevertheless, Scull defied the odds, delivering a performance that will go down in boxing lore.
From the opening bell, Scull displayed his game plan: high output, precise combinations, and relentless pressure. The Cuban, known for his technical boxing and durability, frustrated Canelo with his movement and ability to slip punches. While Canelo landed his body shots and uppercuts, Scull absorbed the punishment and countered with crisp jabs and multi-punch flurries. In the fifth round, the tide began to turn as Scull’s pace overwhelmed Canelo, who looked uncharacteristically slow. The Mexican star struggled to find his rhythm, a stark contrast to his usual generalship.
The pivotal moment came in the eighth round when Scull landed a vicious left hook that staggered Canelo, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Although Canelo survived the attack, Scull’s confidence grew and he maintained his dominance through the subsequent rounds. The judges’ boxing scores reflected Scull’s dominance, with a unanimous decision awarding him the victory and Canelo’s WBC, WBC, WBO, and IBF titles. The final 20 minutes of action not only crowned a new champion, but also shattered the perception of Canelo’s invincibility.
Post-fight reactions at X captured the shockwave. @Mediotiempo quoted Scull as saying, “Nobody is invincible,” a statement that now resonates as a defining mantra of his triumph. Critics who once mocked Scull’s credentials now praise his heart and strategy, with some arguing that this loss could enhance Canelo’s legacy by highlighting the sport’s unpredictability. Others, however, question whether Canelo, at 34, is showing signs of decline after years of grueling battles against elite opponents like Gennady Golovkin and Dmitry Bivol.
For Scull, this victory catapults him from obscurity to stardom. The 32-year-old, who fled Cuba to pursue his boxing dreams, has proven he belongs among the elite. His next steps will likely involve defending his newly won titles, with possible rematches against Canelo or bouts against top contenders like David Benavidez Looming. For Canelo, the loss marks his first since 2013 against Floyd Mayweather Jr., raising questions about his future. Will he seek an immediate rematch or pivot to new challenges in a different weight class?
This upsetting historical event underscores boxing’s enduring appeal: on any given night, an underdog can rewrite the script. As the dust settles, Scull’s name is now synonymous with one of the sport’s biggest clashes, while Canelo faces a crossroads in his career. The boxing world waits with bated breath for what comes next in this electrifying saga.
