In an unimpressive display of boxing skills, William Scull captured the vacant IBF super middleweight title last night in Brandenberg, Germany, defeating Vladimir Shishkin by unanimous decision. The fight, which lacked sustained excitement throughout its twelve rounds, ultimately concluded with judges’ scores of 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113 in favor of Scull. While this victory marks a significant milestone for Scull, pushing his professional record to an unbeaten 23-0, questions arise regarding the fight’s overall quality and his next steps in the boxing hierarchy.
The match can be described more as a tactical standoff than a thrilling encounter. Scull exhibited an overly cautious approach, which allowed Shishkin to remain competitive throughout the bout despite his eventual loss. The fight only truly ignited in the final round, when Shishkin landed a punishing left-hand punch that visibly affected Scull, leaving spectators yearning for more excitement that failed to materialize in the preceding eleven rounds. Many fans and analysts left the arena with the feeling that while Scull was victorious, the performance would do little to elevate his status in the eyes of the boxing community.
The Canelo Alvarez Dilemma
Despite Scull’s newly acquired title, the shadow of Canelo Alvarez looms large. Once the champion of the IBF belt that Scull now holds, Alvarez’s marketability and reputation overshadow the relevance of Scull’s victory. Prior to the contest, Scull had confidently declared his intention to challenge Alvarez, referring to him derisively. However, after such a lackluster performance, the prospect of a bout with Alvarez seems increasingly remote. Boxing fans are adamant about wanting to see the Mexican superstar face more exciting challengers, such as David Benavidez, rather than a fighter who struggled to make a compelling case last night.
Looking ahead, Scull faces another challenge: maintaining his title and proving he can deliver performances that warrant attention. The IBF is known to act swiftly in mandating challengers, which means that Scull will likely need to prepare for his first title defense sooner rather than later. While he may be capable of more dynamic displays, last night’s performance casts doubt across his potential. It is essential for Scull to evolve as a fighter, to not only secure his belt but also to earn respect and credibility in a division that is teeming with talent.
While William Scull has attained a coveted title in the super middleweight division, he will need to vastly improve his fighting style to secure his place among the elite. The hype surrounding a potential match with Canelo Alvarez seems unfounded after last night’s bout, and Scull will likely need to focus on engaging fights that showcase his skills if he hopes to draw the attention of fans and media alike. Meanwhile, the boxing world eagerly watches as Canelo’s next move unfolds, hopeful for a matchup that truly excites.