10/22/2024
A dream deferred, now a reality.
William Scull, known as "El Indomable" (The Indomitable), finally achieved the glory he had been pursuing for over ten years. He became a world champion. In a tough battle in his adopted homeland of Falkensee, Germany, Scull defeated Russian Vladimir Shishkin by unanimous decision to capture the vacant IBF Super Middleweight Championship.
Photo Credit: AGON Sports
The bout was close and tactical throughout. After the final bell, the judges' scorecards declared Scull the victor, with scores of 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113. Scull remained undefeated, improving his record to 23 wins.
"I am happy," Scull declared, visibly emotional after hearing his name as the winner. "Thanks to God, my saints, my coach Franqui Aldama, my children, my mother, and all the people of Cuba. We are world champions today. So, thank you all very much."
The fight was a tense and strategic contest, where Shishkin attempted to press with his aggression. Scull relied on his movement and counterpunching skills. Although the bout did not feature any significant action, the tension was palpable in every round, with many rounds difficult for the judges to score.
The only moment of real drama came in the twelfth and final round. In the final stanza, it seemed that Shishkin hurt Scull and might come close to stopping him, but the Cuban fighter showed resilience, surviving and finishing the fight on his feet. In the end, his hand was raised.
Photo Credit: AGON Sports
Despite the euphoria in the Cuban corner after the announcement of the result, some analysts and fans did not fully agree with the judges' scorecards, suggesting that the fight may have been closer than the scores reflected. However, for Scull, the moment was the culmination of two decades of effort and sacrifice. "This is the reward for 20 years of hard work and sacrifice. Thanks to my family and my coach, who have struggled with me. Now we are going for more. I have no words to describe this moment. I feel proud and happy."
Scull now has his sights set on his next goal: a unification fight against the Mexican superstar, who still holds the WBO, WBC, and WBA titles. However, the road will not be easy, as there are other dangerous contenders in his organization, such as Christian Mbilli, Diego Pacheco, Jaime Munguía, and his compatriot Osleys Iglesias.
With this victory, William Scull becomes the second active Cuban world champion in professional boxing, alongside Erislandy Lara, and the first super middleweight champion since Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez unified all the division's belts in 2021.
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