The boxing world has been buzzing about Canelo Alvarez’s Jake Paul fight cancellation—and for good reason. What once seemed like an inevitable showdown between the pound-for-pound king and the YouTube sensation-turned-boxer is now off the table. Instead, Canelo has inked a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, leaving Paul out in the cold.
So, what happened? Why did Canelo ditch the hype fight with Jake Paul? And what does this mean for both fighters and boxing as a whole? Let’s break it all down.
The Canelo vs. Jake Paul Rumours: Hype vs. Reality
For months, fans speculated about a potential fight between Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul. Paul himself had been calling out the undisputed super middleweight champion, claiming he was ready to take on the best in the sport. While many dismissed the idea as nothing more than a publicity stunt, some insiders suggested there was genuine interest—especially with the money such an event could generate.
But let’s be honest—was Canelo ever going to take this fight seriously? Probably not. The Mexican superstar has repeatedly brushed off the idea of fighting influencers, stating he wants to cement his legacy with real boxing challenges. And that’s exactly what his new Riyadh Season deal offers.
Read more about Canelo Alvarez’s career moves on BoxingScene
Why Canelo Chose Riyadh Season Over Jake Paul
Canelo’s four-fight deal with Riyadh Season is a massive statement. Saudi Arabia has been making major moves in the boxing world, hosting blockbuster events like Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua’s latest comeback fights. Now, with Canelo onboard, it’s clear they mean business.
Here’s Why I Think Canelo Pulled Out of the Potential Fight with Jake Paul
I think there could be several reasons why Canelo turned down the Jake Paul fight:
- Longevity in Boxing – Canelo likely believes he still has many years left at the top, and he wants to use his time in the sport wisely by fighting the best in the world. This new deal with Riyadh Season ensures he’s taking on elite opponents who will cement his legacy.
- The Money Wasn’t Right – Believe it or not, even though the Paul fight could have been a big payday, it’s very possible that the offer didn’t meet Canelo’s expectations. The Riyadh Season deal may have simply been a much better financial opportunity for him.
- Canelo’s Opinion on Influencer Boxing – While I think this is the least likely reason, it’s still possible that Canelo just isn’t a fan of influencers in boxing. If you’ve read my previous blogs on the subject, you know that I’m not either. You can check out my full thoughts on Misfits Boxing here.
Check out the latest Riyadh Season fight announcements on DAZN
What This Means for Jake Paul
For Jake Paul, Canelo Alvarez’s Jake Paul fight cancellation is a major blow. A fight with Canelo would have given Paul the credibility he craves, proving he could hang with the best. But now, Paul is left scrambling for a new opponent.
The question is—where does Jake Paul go from here?
- He could continue fighting MMA stars like Nate Diaz, but that won’t boost his boxing credentials.
- He might target another legitimate boxer, though we’ve seen how that went against Tommy Fury.
- Or he could lean back into influencer boxing, which keeps the money flowing but doesn’t get him closer to real respect in the sport.
Stay updated on Jake Paul’s next fight via ESPN Boxing
Will Canelo vs. Jake Paul Happen in the Future?
Believe it or not, I actually think it will. As much as I don’t like this whole influencer boxing trend, it’s not going away anytime soon. These fights draw numbers, and at the end of the day, boxing is a business.
A Canelo vs. Jake Paul fight could still be on the cards once Canelo wraps up his Riyadh Season contract. If the money is right and the interest remains high, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen down the line.
The Bigger Picture: Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence on Boxing
The biggest takeaway from this whole situation is Saudi Arabia’s increasing grip on the boxing industry. From hosting some of the biggest fights of the last few years to securing exclusive deals with major fighters like Canelo, it’s clear that the Kingdom is becoming a major player in the sport.
There are pros and cons to Saudi Arabia’s influence on boxing, and it’s a debate that continues to divide fans. While the financial backing is incredible, some critics argue that it takes fights away from traditional boxing markets.
Read more about the pros and cons of Saudi Arabia’s role in boxing
Some even argue that Saudi Arabia is becoming the new Mecca of boxing, attracting top talent and hosting events that surpass traditional boxing venues in scale and production.
Check out whether Saudi Arabia is the new home of boxing
What Do You Think?
Is Canelo right to focus on legacy fights? Should he have taken the Paul fight for the money and exposure? Where does Jake Paul go next?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss! And if you want to stay updated on all things boxing, head over to CMBoxing.co.uk for the latest news, analysis, and fight breakdowns.
Let’s keep the conversation going!