AGON Sports, the promoter of William Scull, announced that they have agreed to a next fight with the undefeated super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez.
The 32-year-old Scull (22-0, 9 KOs) is Canelo's challenger to win his IBF 168-lb title, having earned that spot by beating a superstar named Sean Hemphill.
Scull's promoter stated that the IBF request has been withdrawn, an agreement has been reached with TGB, and Canelo's team will announce the fight.
Canelo's (61-2-2, 39 KOs) decision to defend the IBF mandatory Scull means he will continue to be the undefeated super middleweight champion.
Now, we'll see if the WBC will hold Canelo's feet to the fire to force him to defend David Benavidez in his next fight after satisfying his IBF-ordered Scull defense.
Scull's Questionable Continuity
The undefeated Scull (22-0, 9 KOs) has a weak resume, filled from top to bottom with unknown opponents, making fans wonder why the International Boxing Federation pulled his name out of the hat to put it as Canelo's tie.
There would be fewer complaints from fans if Scull had one prominent name in his progression to earn IBF mandatory bouts, even with someone like Edgar Berlanga, but he has fought some mysterious fights.
The last four Scull wins are based in Germany: Sean Hemphill, Cristian Fabian Rios, Abel Nicolas Adriel, and Evgeny Shevchenko. All of them are second-tier players [read-non-top 15-ranked opposition].
It's really weird and obviously not good for the Mexican champion because it's a fight that will be hard to sell on PPV.
David Benavidez's Hopes Dashed title
This news will not make David Benavidez happy. Last Saturday night, he talked about returning to the 168-lb division in hopes of challenging Canelo for his four super middleweight titles. Now, that dream is up in smoke, and he'll have to stay at 175 or go back to 168 to keep waiting.
Staying at 175, a division Benavidez is less equipped with power and skill wise, is a path that is going nowhere. His only chance for success is to go back to 168 and continue to wait and hope that Canelo Alvarez will give him the fight he has been pushing for.
On the bright side, Benavidez can continue to make a good living while waiting for Canelo to fight him at 168, as his size advantage over his opposition at that weight class ensures success.
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