Mohammed Abdo Arena, officially as the Artist of the Arabs Mohammed Abdu Stage, is a 22,000 seat multipurpose arena in the Hittin neighborhood of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, located in the 'Theaters' area of Boulevard Riyadh City recreational complex.
Named after the Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu Othman, it was established following the inauguration of Boulevard Riyadh City in October 2019 during the beginning week of the first edition of Riyadh Season entertainment festival. Since its inception, the arena has hosted events like The Filipino Night, as well as WWE's Super ShowDown and Crown Jewel. ANB Arena has been renamed the Mohammed Abdo Arena.
Canelo Alvarez, one of the biggest names in modern boxing, is set to face Cuban fighter William Scull in a much-anticipated showdown on May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This matchup brings together two fighters with contrasting backgrounds and styles, but both possess unique qualities that will make this bout a fascinating spectacle. As Álvarez seeks to solidify his place as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in history, Scull will look to prove he belongs at the highest level of boxing, presenting a challenge that could turn the fight into an all-out war in the ring.
Canelo Alvarez: The Mexican Superstar
Saul Alvarez, commonly known as “Canelo,” has been one of the defining figures in boxing over the past decade. His career began at a young age, and his rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Canelo's aggressive fighting style, incredible combination punching, and technical prowess made him a household name. He first garnered attention with his victory over Matthew Hatton in 2011 to win the WBC light middleweight title, and since then, his career has only skyrocketed.
Alvarez has achieved tremendous success in multiple weight classes, becoming the first Mexican boxer to win world championships in four different divisions: light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight. His unification of the super middleweight division—holding the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles—is a testament to his versatility and adaptability in the ring. Additionally, Canelo’s incredible skill set includes elite defense, power in both hands, and the ability to outbox his opponents with clever strategy and excellent ring IQ. His work ethic and dedication to the sport are part of what has made him the face of modern boxing.
Not only is Canelo known for his in-ring exploits, but his professionalism, sportsmanship, and ability to put on thrilling fights have also endeared him to fans around the world. However, his journey has not been without setbacks, and he remains determined to prove that he is the best in the world. A win over William Scull would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his era, especially since he is looking to reclaim the IBF super middleweight title that he lost due to his decision to vacate the belt.
William Scull: The Rising Cuban Challenger
While Canelo Álvarez’s name is recognized by nearly every boxing fan worldwide, William Scull’s name is still relatively new to many. However, the undefeated Cuban fighter has been steadily making his mark on the world stage. Scull, who hails from the boxing-rich country of Cuba, is known for his technical boxing style and ability to outthink his opponents in the ring. While not as widely recognized as Canelo, Scull is a highly skilled boxer with a sharp jab and an impressive sense of timing. He has shown promise in his fights, with an undefeated record of 23 wins, 9 knockouts, and several notable victories on his resume.
Scull’s biggest moment came in October 2024 when he defeated Russian fighter Vladimir Shishkin to capture the vacant IBF super middleweight title. That victory placed him on the radar of the boxing world, especially as Canelo’s decision not to defend his IBF belt opened the door for Scull to step into the limelight. With his sharp technical skills, Scull is an intriguing challenger for Álvarez. His calm demeanor and ability to remain composed under pressure could prove valuable against a fighter of Canelo's caliber.
Scull's defensive skills and counterpunching ability are among his strongest attributes, which could make him a dangerous opponent for Canelo, known for his aggressive style. If Scull can maintain distance and frustrate Canelo with his ability to move and slip punches, it could create an exciting tactical battle. While Scull may not have the same level of power or fame as Canelo, his boxing IQ and ability to make adjustments mid-fight will be tested in a way he has never experienced before.
The Canelo Alvarez Vs William Scull fight is a matchup of contrasting styles, with Alvarez known for his brutal aggression and power while Scull brings a more technical approach to the ring. Alvarez’s ability to apply pressure and break down opponents with his devastating body shots will be a significant challenge for Scull, whose defensive skills and patience in the ring will be tested to the fullest. Canelo’s high-pressure style often wears down opponents over time, and he is known for his ability to go the distance, which will be a critical factor in this fight.
On the other hand, Scull’s ability to box from the outside and counter effectively will be crucial if he hopes to take control of the fight. He will need to avoid being trapped on the ropes, where Canelo’s body-punching game could cause significant damage. The question remains whether Scull has the power and precision to hurt Canelo or whether he will be able to outbox the Mexican star over the course of twelve rounds.
The Significance of the Fight
For Canelo, this bout serves as an opportunity to not only regain the IBF super middleweight title but also to continue solidifying his status as one of the greatest boxers in history. His quest for greatness has seen him take on some of the toughest challenges in boxing, from Gennady Golovkin to Sergey Kovalev. A win over Scull would be another impressive addition to his legacy, especially considering the challenger’s unbeaten record and potential.
For Scull, this is the biggest opportunity of his career. A win over Canelo would not only elevate him to superstardom but also mark him as a legitimate threat in the super middleweight division. It would be the ultimate achievement for the Cuban fighter, as he would have toppled one of boxing's giants.