Canelo Álvarez will not be facing Jake Paul in May, as he has chosen to honor his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season instead.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, in an article for Bleacher Report, revealed that Álvarez’s decision came just before an official announcement of the Jake Paul fight was expected.
This unexpected move shifts Canelo’s next fight from Las Vegas to Saudi Arabia, where he will fulfill his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.
Álvarez confirmed his decision on social media, responding to Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh emphasized that Canelo’s commitment to Riyadh Season meant a fight with Paul was never a real possibility.
Let’s go brother
https://t.co/Wy1PYfSWcY
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) February 7, 2025
Paul, frustrated by the news, took to social media to call out Álvarez, claiming the boxing champion had “ducked” him. He also declared himself the “new face of boxing” and suggested that major fights in 2025 wouldn’t be complete without his name involved.
Breaking news: Canelo Alvarez ducked me Jake Paul and is now an owned slave with no regard for the pride of the Mexican people who support him on US soil. it’s not surprising when his whole career he has done nothing for the sport of boxing outside the ring. I’m the new face of… pic.twitter.com/oKJmPZFkzD
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 7, 2025
Despite Paul’s criticism, Alalshikh defended Álvarez, stating that the Mexican superstar only fights “real fighters.” He also revealed that Álvarez’s deal with Riyadh Season would have been revoked had he gone through with the Paul fight.
With Paul out of the picture, the focus now shifts to Álvarez’s next opponent. According to Coppinger, Jermall Charlo and Bruno Surace are under consideration for the May 3 fight in Riyadh, which will air in U.S. primetime. Charlo is a familiar name to Álvarez, as he previously defeated Charlo’s twin brother, Jermell, in 2023.
The four-fight agreement also includes a highly anticipated matchup against Terence Crawford in September at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This fight is expected to be one of the biggest boxing events of the year.
Following the Crawford bout, Álvarez will return to Riyadh for two more fights in 2026. His February and October matchups could feature opponents like Dmitry Bivol, Hamzah Sheeraz, or Chris Eubank Jr., according to early reports.
While Paul won’t get his chance against Álvarez, the boxing world remains focused on what comes next for both fighters. For now, Álvarez’s legacy will continue with elite competition, while Paul will have to look elsewhere to cement his status in the sport.
The post Canelo Álvarez chooses Riyadh Season over Jake Paul fight first appeared on Fastbreak.
0 comments: