A host of highlight fights across the weight classes will flank the unification duel between Canelo and Scull on May 3 in Riyadh.
On May 3, 2025, the big super middleweight unification clash between WBA, WBC and WBO champion Canelo Alvarez and IBF title holder William Scull will take place in Riyadh. But it’s not just the main fight that provides excitement – the undercard also offers thrilling fights. Heavyweights, former world champions and an Olympic hero make this one of the biggest boxing events of the year.
Rematch: Munguia challenges Surace again
The co-main event of the evening is the eagerly awaited super middleweight rematch between Jaime Munguia and Bruno Surace. In December 2024, Surace shocked the boxing world when he knocked out the clearly favored Munguia in the sixth round. The duel was voted “Upset of the Year” by The Ring. Munguia wants to return the favor – with Eddy Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez’s trainer, in his corner.
Canelo vs. Scull: Heavyweight clash on the undercard
Heavyweight fans will also get their money’s worth in Canelo vs. Scull: Martin Bakole meets Efe Ajagba. Bakole, who had stood in for Daniel Dubois as Joseph Parker’s opponent in February due to illness, suffered a knockout defeat. Ajagba, on the other hand, is regarded as a dangerous puncher who has caused a sensation with 14 knockouts in 21 fights to date.
Cruiserweight World Championship: Badou Jack vs. Ryan Rozicki
Badou Jack returns after more than two years to defend his WBC cruiserweight title for the first time. His opponent: Ryan Rozicki, a Canadian knockout specialist with a KO rate of almost 90 percent. Jack secured the title in 2023 with a knockout victory against Ilunga Makabu.
Canelo vs. Scull: Olympic champion makes his professional debut
Another highlight is Marco Verde’s professional debut. The Mexican won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and silver at the 2024 Olympic Games. Now he steps into the ring against Michel Polina. Also on the card: light heavyweight talent Brayan Leon (6-0, 6 KO), who is trained by Eddy Reynoso. He will face Aaron Guerrero.
Riyadh, New York, Las Vegas – spectacle in May
The event on May 3 is part of a spectacular Cinco de Mayo weekend. In addition to Canelo vs. Scull, boxing fans can also look forward to the comebacks of Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney (on Friday, May 2, in New York). And as if that wasn’t enough, “Monster” Naoya Inoue will defend his super bantam titles against Ramon Cardenas at the T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas on Sunday, May 4.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger