In one of the most unexpected and stunning results in recent boxing memory, William Scull pulled off what many are already calling “the biggest upset in boxing history” by defeating Saul “Canelo” Álvarez after 20 grueling minutes of action-packed fighting.

Canelo, a four-division world champion and one of the sport’s most iconic names, entered the ring on Saturday night as the overwhelming favorite. With a record of 60-2-2, his experience, power, and tactical brilliance were expected to dismantle Scull — an unbeaten but relatively unknown fighter from Cuba who had not yet faced anyone of Canelo’s caliber.

However, under the bright lights of the sold-out arena in Las Vegas, the unexpected unfolded.

A Meteoric Rise Collides with a Legendary Career

William Scull, 31, was seen by many as a decent contender, but few — if any — expected him to pose a serious threat to the Mexican superstar. Ranked just outside the top 10 in most super middleweight rankings, Scull had quietly built a 21-0 record, largely away from the mainstream spotlight.

But Saturday night changed everything.

From the opening bell, Scull showcased incredible speed, footwork, and counter-punching ability. Rather than folding under pressure, he met Canelo in the center of the ring and pushed the pace. Canelo responded with his signature power shots and slick defense, but as the rounds progressed, it became clear that Scull was not just surviving — he was winning exchanges.

The Turning Point

By the sixth round, Canelo began to show signs of frustration. His normally crisp combinations were missing the mark, and Scull’s lateral movement and jab were disrupting his rhythm. In the eighth round — just 20 minutes into the fight — the shocking climax arrived.

Scull landed a perfectly timed left hook followed by a clean uppercut that stunned Canelo. Seconds later, another flurry of punches forced the referee to step in and call the fight, awarding Scull a technical knockout victory.

Gasps echoed throughout the arena. Fans and commentators alike were left in disbelief. Canelo had not only lost — he had been outboxed, outpaced, and stopped.

Immediate Reactions

“This is seismic,” said former champion and commentator Andre Ward. “We just witnessed one of the most shocking outcomes in the sport’s modern history.”

Social media exploded with reactions. Hashtags like #CaneloScull, #BoxingUpset, and #NewChampion began trending worldwide. Some praised Scull’s technical mastery and composure, while others speculated that Canelo may be past his prime or underestimated his opponent.

Even boxing legend Mike Tyson weighed in via X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Never take any man lightly in this sport. Tonight, Scull earned his name in the history books.”

Canelo Speaks

In a brief post-fight interview, a visibly disappointed but respectful Canelo addressed the loss:

“I trained hard and gave everything I had. Tonight just wasn’t my night. William fought smart, and he deserved the win. I’ll take time to recover and decide what’s next with my team.”

What’s Next for William Scull?

With this monumental win, Scull’s career has taken a meteoric leap. He is now the undisputed new star of the super middleweight division and could be looking at big-money fights against names like David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, or even a rematch with Canelo.

Promoters are already calling it a “Cinderella story,” but Scull was quick to remind everyone this wasn’t luck:

“I’ve dreamed of this moment for years,” he said. “I respect Canelo — he’s a legend — but I knew I could beat him. I believed in myself when no one else did.”

Final Thoughts

Boxing has always been the sport where legends rise and fall in a single night — and this was one of those nights. William Scull didn’t just beat Canelo Álvarez — he shocked the world and wrote himself into the history books.