On the night of May 4, 2025, boxing fans around the world turned their attention to Las Vegas, where Canelo Alvarez defended his status as one of the sport’s top names against the rising Cuban contender David Scull. The bout headlined a stacked card at the T-Mobile Arena, drawing global interest as a classic matchup of experience versus ambition.
This fight marked another pivotal chapter in Canelo’s storied career and provided Scull with a high-profile platform to prove himself on boxing’s biggest stage. With titles, legacies, and reputations on the line, the clash was more than just another contest—it was a defining moment for both fighters.
Pre-Fight Hype and Build-Up
Anticipation filled the weeks leading into Canelo vs. Scull. Both fighters went through intensive training camps – Canelo this time in San Diego with the longtime trainer Eddy Reynoso. Meanwhile, Scull prepared his Cuban style with speed and precision.
Press conferences showed mutual respect but also competitive tension. And Canelo, a calm and measured man, promised a dominant display. And Scull said he would “shock the world” and prove the critics wrong.
Including the bout, Canelo Alvarez had 63 wins, two losses, and two draws in his professional career, while David Scull entered the game undefeated with 22 wins. It was a step up for Scull and a fight in the sport’s elite. It was all about dominance and keeping his super middleweight legacy alive.
Round-by-Round Fight Recap
Round 1 opened with both fighters feeling each other out. Canelo controlled the center of the ring as he measured Scull’s rhythm. The Scull circled and jabbed quickly, but it got few clean openings.
In Round 2, Canelo began to rack the body with left hooks. Scull responded with snappy flurries, but his punches were too light to deter Alvarez. And Canelo’s defense was tight, rolling with shots and countering with surgical precision.
By Round 3, the pace increased. Scull found some success with combinations on the inside, but Canelo’s ability to slip, counter, and dig to the body began to wear down the challenger. The crowd roared as Alvarez landed a right uppercut that snapped Scull’s head back.
In Rounds 4 and 5, Canelo asserted full control. He cut off the ring effectively, cornering Scull and unloading multi-punch sequences. Scull showed heart, absorbing punishment and attempting to fire back, but the difference in power became evident.
Accumulation marked Rounds 6 and 8. And Canelo stalked his opponent, digging into his midsection and sometimes switching upstairs with looping rights. Footwork slowed and output declined under Canelo’s pressure.
In Round 9, Scull hit his best shot of the fight – a flush left hook that briefly stunned Canelo. It caused gasps in the crowd, but Alvarez recovered to finish with a hard right to the ribs.
The final rounds, 10 through 12, were academic. Scull, bloodied but determined, survived to the final bell. Canelo remained composed, never rushing but always punishing. The champion closed the show with crisp combinations, showing his class until the final second.
Key Highlights and Turning Points
Among the highlights was Canelo’s brutal left hook to the liver in Round 5, which clearly hurt Scull. From there on, momentum shifted decisively in Alvarez’s favor. Though Scull never painted a canvas, his body language changed, and his aggression diminished.
A further highlight was in Round 9 when Scull briefly stunned Canelo, showing the Cuban could land on the champion even if he lacked the power to finish. That heightened tension as fans wondered whether an upset might be coming. But Canelo’s quick response erased any doubt.
Final Results and Scorecard
At the end of 12 rounds, the judges delivered a unanimous decision in favor of Canelo Alvarez. The scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109.
Most observers agreed with the verdict. While Scull displayed courage and skill, Canelo clearly outclassed him in terms of ring generalship, power, and control. Alvarez’s veteran savvy and body attack dominated the action and prevented Scull from ever gaining true momentum.
Canelo Alvarez’s Performance
It was a vintage Canelo performance. His footwork, ring IQ, and ability to set traps were on full display. Canelo’s defense remained sharp, with subtle head movement and efficient blocking. Offensively, his combination of patience and power allowed him to dismantle his opponent gradually.
David Scull’s Effort and Resilience
Though he lost, David Scull earned praise for his toughness and resolve. He entered untested at the elite level and went the distance against one of the greatest fighters of his generation. His jab was fast, his movement early on was crisp, and he never folded mentally—even when outgunned.
However, his inability to adjust or generate significant power left him without a clear path to victory. His corner’s advice between rounds focused on angles and volume, but Canelo’s pressure prevented Scull from executing those adjustments consistently.
Post-Fight Reactions and Interviews
In the ring afterwards, Canelo Alvarez credited Scull with durability and called him a future champion, but said experience and power were the difference. He praised fans and said he would stay active and face the best.
The disappointed Scull said he was proud of his performance and would learn from it.
Promoters and trainers agreed. Still, the Scull’s team pledged to return stronger and work for another title attempt.
Implications and What’s Next
This win reinforces Canelo’s standing as the top dog at 168 pounds. With a clean performance and no sign of decline, Alvarez appears primed for another major title defense later in the year. Talks of fights with David Benavidez or a Jermall Charlo rematch are already circulating.
For David Scull, the loss is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Going 12 rounds with Canelo adds to his credibility, and with the right adjustments, he could remain a major player in the super middleweight scene. Future matchups with other contenders could set up another title shot within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Canelo perform compared to his past fights?
Canelo Alvarez delivered a dominant and methodical performance, similar in control and pacing to his bouts against Callum Smith and Caleb Plant. His defense and bodywork were particularly effective.
What are the full fight highlights from Canelo vs. Scull?
Key highlights included Canelo’s punishing body shots, especially in Round 5, Scull’s surprising hook in Round 9, and the champion’s consistent control throughout the later rounds.
Will David Scull fight at the elite level again?
Despite the loss, David Scull is likely to remain in the conversation at 168 pounds. His resilience against Canelo impressed fans and promoters, and with adjustments, he could challenge for another major fight soon.