Canelo Alvarez did what was expected of him—he became a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion by defeating William Scull. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112, and 119-109, all in favor of Canelo. Despite the win, a wave of concern has emerged among fans—and notably, Jake Paul and Claressa Shields—following a crucial update regarding Canelo’s next opponent: Terence Crawford.

Scull, though clearly outmatched, stayed mobile throughout the fight, consistently avoiding exchanges and opting for a defensive approach. The result was a slow, uneventful contest—something even Canelo admitted post-fight. But beneath the boredom lay a strategic vulnerability: Canelo struggled to cut off the ring and force engagements.

New update confirms Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

It’s a chink in his armor that Crawford, known for his precision and movement, could exploit in their potential September showdown. Regardless, after the decision was read, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh took the stage to officially confirm what many had anticipated—Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford is set for September 12, with the undisputed super middleweight title on the line. Ring Magazine made it official with a fight poster for Canelo and Crawford that read, “FIGHT ANNOUNCED 🚨 🥊 CANELO ALVAREZ VS TERENCE CRAWFORD.”

The fight has been brewing ever since it was floated to the public last year, and now it’s set in stone. Canelo, who left a possible clash with Jake Paul behind to sign a four-fight deal with Alalshikh, has Crawford lined up as the second chapter of that contract. 

But after the uninspired performance against Scull, many believe the Mexican superstar may be walking into serious trouble this September.

Salty Jake Paul reacts to Canelo vs. William Scull

After Canelo left him high and dry earlier this year, ‘The Problem Child’ has been taking shots at the Mexican champion. He continued that tradition after the fight. Jake Paul reacted to the fight, writing, “Embarrassing.” However, the blame can’t entirely be put on Canelo, Scull also had a hand in it.

Meanwhile, after watching the fight, this user seems to have changed their prediction. The user commented, “I would bet on Bud. The fight tonight was impossible to measure Canelo on.” Crawford was originally the underdog due to his climb to super middleweight without a rehydration clause in place.

One user echoed the same sentiment. The user claimed, “I would like my chances A LOT if I’m Terence Crawford after seeing that! Canelo looked PATHETIC. #EGO…” Despite how Canelo performed, he was leading on all the scorecards. However, Crawford can prove to be a tough challenge for Canelo. 

Someone else suggested Crawford might not even be the underdog anymore. The user commented, “Bud may not even be the underdog when they fight. Scull was awful, but Canelo’s legs are not the same. Bud may even stop him now. #sittingduck” However, only time will tell whether that’s true.

Even Claressa Shields joined the conversations. She reacted to the fight, writing, “Not gonna lie! Scull defense been straight! Canelo trying to nail him to the cross and keep missing!” It’s worth noting, at 34, Canelo Alvarez has significantly slowed down. 

The fight seems to have solidified this user’s belief that Crawford would win the September bout. The user wrote, “Crawford can beat that version of Canelo for sure!!! There are a couple variables tho.” If Crawford can avoid Canelo’s powerful punches like Scull, he indeed can win the fight.

That being said, Canelo Alvarez’s performance seems to have caused a stir among fans about his fight against Terence Crawford. The Mexican superstar will have to work on his footwork to get ahead of the criticism. Do you think Crawford will beat Canelo?