Now this one’s for sure going to stir the pot. The self-proclaimed ‘GWOAT’ of boxing, Claressa Shields, doesn’t know who William Scull is! Whether it’s a genuine lack of knowledge or a mere mock, it’s not clear. Nevertheless, her comments about a reigning titleholder are bound to ruffle several feathers. The Flint native is currently basking in her recent success. Last week, she defeated Danielle Perkins and became boxing’s first three-division undisputed champion.

Before Canelo Alvarez was stripped of his IBF belt, only a few had heard about the Cuban-German fighter, his unbeaten record, and top contention within the division. Things improved when Scull defeated Vladimir Shishkin and grabbed the vacant IBF super middleweight title. Alongside a few prominent figures, his name captured short-lived attention. Do Shields’ comments reflect the current state of affairs plaguing boxing?

Claressa Shields: That name doesn’t sound familiar!

The drollery commenced when Claressa Shields came across ESPN Ringside‘s tweet. The sports news channel featured pictures of Canelo Alvarez and William Scull alongside HE Turki Alalshikh‘s message, “The legend Saul Alvarez Canelo will fight William Scull in undisputed fight in Riyadh on the 3rd of May … if he win the fight in September will be undisputed again. 🔥🥊”

The news may have surprised many. For a brief moment, it appeared that the first fight of Canelo’s new four-fight deal with Riyadh Season would commence against either Jermall Charlo or Bruno Surace. Thereafter he will proceed for the square-up with Terence Crawford in Las Vegas.

But “Who is William Scull?” asked Claressa Shields! Needless to say, many fans didn’t take kindly to her words. For instance, this fan reminded her about her most recent bout. Before she fought Shields, how many boxing followers actually knew anything about Danielle Perkins? “Like she didn’t just fight a 42-year-old with 5 professional fights for undisputed,” said this fan.

William Scull: From the sidelines to center stage

The fight with Scull seems to make some sense. Currently a unified champion, Canelo needs the IBF belt to make the full complement of the undisputed title. It will raise the bar for the Crawford duel as well. If he defeats Canelo, then the Nebraskan will become the first three-division champion among men.

In hindsight, Claressa Shields can’t be blamed either. Though well documented, William Scull’s path – from relative obscurity to international fame – has stayed under the radar. Beginning with his debut, the Berlin resident’s first nine fights took place mostly in Argentina. The adventure paid off when he became the South American super middleweight champion. Thereafter, Scull restricted himself to fights in his adopted home, Germany. It was on May 4 last year, when he fought Sean Hemphill, that William Scull marked his debut in the United States.

He’s expected to play second fiddle to Canelo Alvarez. But even a defeat might prove beneficial to Scull. Without a doubt, it will raise his stakes to claim bigger fights against top contenders such as Caleb Plant, Christian M’billi, Diego Pacheco, Jaime Munguia, or even Bruno Surace. Not long ago, he made brief headlines by calling out Edgar Berlanga.

Do you think William Scull has it in him to stage a huge upset against Canelo Alvarez?