Scull became champion in October with a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Shishkin. The title was available to be won after the IBF stripped Alvarez in September for failing to make face their mandatory challenger, who just so happened to be Scull. Alvarez instead fought Edgar Berlanga.

Alvarez, 34, most recently dominated Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision to retain his titles last September. He’s on a five-fight winning streak since losing to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022. Scull, 32, fought twice in 2024, winning unanimous decisions against Sean Hemphill and Vladimir Shishkin

Alvarez was reportedly in talks to face Paul in May, but will now turn his attention elsewhere, including a September showdown with Terence Crawford

The winner of Alvarez vs. Scull will be considered boxing's undisputed super middleweight champion — a distinction "Canelo" previously earned once before in 2021. Alvarez was stripped of the IBF belt in July 2024 for choosing to fight Edgar Berlanga rather than his mandatory challenger,

Canelo Alvarez’s next fight will officially be against William Scull at 168 pounds for Cinco de Mayo. Canelo will have the opportunity to become undisputed for the second time by picking up Scull’s IBF Super Middleweight Title in Riyadh,