Scull Becomes IBF Super Middleweight Champ, Is Canelo Next?

October 19, 2024
4 months
Scull Becomes IBF Super Middleweight Champ, Is Canelo Next?

William Scull made history by becoming the IBF Super Middleweight Champion, getting past Vladimir Shishkin in a unanimous decision win. 

The judges scored the fight 116-113, 116-112, 115-113, as Scull followed in the footsteps of other Cuban legends who became world champions such as Guillermo Rigondeaux and Yordenis Ugas. The first few rounds had very little action. The two were feeling each other out. The game plan was clear. Scull was fighting on the outside and trying to land counters as Shishkin came in. Shishkin tried to cut the ring off by hunting his man down.

Scull Vs. Shishkin

Scull’s right over the top found its target in round two. Meanwhile, Shishkin was slowly edging his way closer to his man as he landed a left to the body. Another right hand landed for Scull in the third, followed by a left hand to the body. Scull’s jab was finding its way to the target. But the Russian had a strong fourth round. Two right hands followed once he established centre position. Shishkin was also following up on his jab with the right hand in his best round. The fifth round ended with the two boxers staring each other down.

When the fight went past the halfway stage, Shishkin’s team wanted him to use more feints. The aim was to get a response from Scull before letting his hands go. He found some success with a strong right hand in round seven. However, Scull was not going anywhere. Shishkin’s eyes had noticeable swelling. Scull’s jab found its target in round ten. The Cuban then buckled Shishkin with a right uppercut near the ropes in round 11. As they entered the final round, it was Shishkin had a good round. A right and left combo ended the fight on positive terms. While Shishkin raised his hands in the air, it was Scull who got the decision. 

What’s Next?

Scull is now in a position to call out Canelo Alvarez for an undisputed fight. Before the fight, Scull had managed to work himself into the IBF mandatory position. But Canelo chose to face Edgar Berlanga on Mexican Independence Weekend Instead. It was seen as a bigger commercial fight. Canelo would eventually beat Berlanga via a unanimous decision to retain his three bells. He could now face Scull for undisputed, making it a much more plausible fight.

There are also other opportunities for Scull. He could take on the former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant. Caleb has been in the ring with Canelo and David Benavidez, showing he is an elite-level fighter. Berlanga could also be an opponent. While he lost against Canelo, he showed a massive heart by managing to last the distance against one of the best. However, given that fights against Canelo do not come around very often, that would be the primary goal. And now that Scull has a belt, he has more leverage to secure that fight.

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