Mexican boxer Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez is gearing up for a new challenge that could mark a turning point in his career. On May 3, the Guadalajara native will face Cuban fighter William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a bout where he will seek to reclaim the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight title.

At 34 years old, Álvarez is fully focused on his training camp in Big Bear, a town on the border between California and Nevada, where he is fine-tuning both his physical and mental preparation for what promises to be one of the toughest fights of his career. His goal is not only to defeat Scull but to reaffirm himself as the top Latin American boxing icon.

Canelo admits his next big challenge

Beyond the difficulty of facing a strong, left-handed opponent hungry for victory like Scull, Canelo acknowledges that one of his biggest challenges will be adapting to the conditions in Saudi Arabia.

"The challenge is not just fighting there, but physically and mentally acclimating to a completely different environment," the fighter explained in a videoconference with EFE. The fight is scheduled for 6 a.m. local time, forcing Álvarez to adjust his routine and prepare to perform at his best in an unusual time slot.

To minimize the impact of the time difference and Riyadh’s high temperatures, the Mexican will travel three weeks in advance with his technical team. His family, which usually accompanies him during the final phase of his training camps, will only join him in the last week before the fight. "This time, I want to avoid distractions and arrive in the best possible shape," he stated.

As for his training routine, Álvarez has maintained his usual regimen with some adjustments to adapt to the time difference and climate. "I train boxing in the morning, do conditioning in the afternoon, and run outdoors. Sleeping well, recovering, and eating properly are key in this type of camp," he detailed.

Although the fight's setting is entirely different from what he is used to, Canelo remains focused on what truly matters: boxing. "It doesn’t matter if I fight in the United States, Mexico, or Saudi Arabia, the important thing is to be well-prepared," he concluded.

Once his commitment in Saudi Arabia is over, his first plan is to return to Mexico and enjoy his favorite tacos al pastor, a craving he will hold off on until after the fight.