What does it take to motivate someone who already has it all? Well, it depends.
For some, once all of their goals have been checked off and their bank account is packed with cash, the motivation they once had never returns. For others, there aren’t enough accolades in the world that could satisfy them.
For Canelo Alvarez, he’s done it all. He aggregated world titles in four weight classes, became an undisputed champion, has been a fixture on virtually every pound-for-pound list, and has the sort of money that many couldn’t dream of. But, at the soon-to-be-age of 35, the Mexican star looks at his world-title collection with disgust. While he appreciates the shine bouncing off his Ring, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles, he needs one more belt to feel complete.
In July of 2024, instead of defending his strap against William Scull, Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) decided against it. In doing so, Scull beat Vladimir Shishkin to claim the vacant title. Fast forward a few months later and Scull will officially get his shot. The bout
will air on DAZN PPV.
Initially, Alvarez seemed satisfied with being referred to as a unified champion. However, the thought of wrapping every major 168-pound title around his waist again, suddenly excites him.
“I’m about to be a two-time undisputed fighter,” said Alvarez to BoxNation recently.
Unless you’ve been trapped underneath a rock for the better part of the last decade, Alvarez needs no introduction. Scull, on the other hand, surely does.
Alvarez though, is a student of the game. He’s also a boxing junkie. Although Scull (23-0, 9 KOs) isn’t a well-known name, Alvarez has studied his game inside and out. The future Hall of Famer knows what happens when you overlook an opponent. He remembers James “Buster” Douglas taking out Mike Tyson in 1990. He also remembers the recent memories of Andy Ruiz Jr. crashing the Anthony Joshua party in 2019. Alvarez, nevertheless, refuses to have his name associated with that sort of list.
“He’s a champion and a really good fighter,” continued Alvarez. “I have to be ready.”