AGON boxer William Scull meets Canelo Alvarez on May 3. In this interview, he reveals why he is particularly motivated by his underdog role.
The “Cuban Boxing Night”, which saw AGON Sports become the first promotion since 1962 to host a professional boxing event on Cuban soil, is only just in the books before the next history-making event with AGON involvement takes place. Undefeated super middleweight and reigning IBF World Champion William Scull (23-0, 9 knockouts) will take on the biggest challenge of his career on May 3: He takes on the biggest name in boxing and reigning WBA, WBC and WBO World Champion and Ring Magazine Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 knockouts) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!
One-off opportunity for Scull!
For Scull, who comes from Cuba and fights for the boxing stable of Berlin promoter Ingo Volckmann, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. In the run-up to the event, he talks about his intensive preparation, his journey from amateur in Cuba to the top of the world, the financial dimension of the mega-fight and his great motivation: to make history – for his family, his people and himself.
William, you’re getting your biggest purse for this fight – will it change your life?
“It’s the biggest purse I’ve ever received. Through boxing, I’ve had everything I need to live for a few years now – just like my family in Argentina and Cuba. The current purse gives us security for the future. And that’s what we all strive for. I want to use it to further improve the living conditions of my family in Cuba and Argentina.”
You were a rather unknown name in professional boxing for a long time. Why do you think Canelo didn’t accept you as a mandatory challenger last year?
“I have spent my career in countries where it is difficult to gain popularity as a foreigner. My name recognition was probably too low to be of interest to Canelo. That changed with the IBF title. Now I’ve arrived on the world stage and I’m very grateful for that.”
How do you beat someone like Canelo Alvarez?
“You can beat Canelo if you move a lot and hit fast combinations. I think I have a bit of both and I’m confident that I can get the extra three belts. I would describe myself as mentally strong, so I can cope well with being the underdog. This role has also given me extra motivation.”
What did your preparation look like?
“We took this preparation much more seriously than against Shishkin. For example, we had an altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada in Spain. We brought in the best athletic trainers, physiotherapists and doctors from Argentina and Spain. The number of sparring partners was doubled. The level was significantly higher. My team did an incredible job!”
What does it mean to you to represent your country and your roots on this stage?
“To become world champion, I went with my coach Franquis Aldama from Cuba, where I fought over 300 amateur fights, to Argentina to become a professional boxer. Our path then led us to AGON Sports in Germany. We grew together with the promotion. Winning the world championship belt was the greatest thing – not just for me, but for my people in Cuba. Now I have the chance to continue writing history. That makes me extremely proud.”
What message do you have for young people who see you as a role model?
“Anything is possible in life. It doesn’t matter what others say about you. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and your goals. If you never lose sight of your dream, you will be rewarded in the end.”
And where would a win against Canelo put you in your life?
“Apart from the birth of my two children, winning the World Championship title against Shishkin was my greatest moment. A victory on May 3rd would top that again. It would be the best feeling to make history for my people and my family.
The Undisputed title fight between William Scull and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will be the main bout of a huge boxing event as part of the Riyadh Season. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN.