Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez has struck a groundbreaking deal with Riyadh Season, which puts the reigning super middleweight champion's rivalry with Jake Paul on the back burner. On Friday, it was revealed Alvarez signed a four-fight agreement with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, generating substantial buzz within the boxing community.
Two of these matches are set for 2025 and 2026, but it seems the latest developments have sidelined the anticipated fight between Alvarez and Paul. Interest was building for this match-up—controversial Paul, known for his internet fame and boxing antics, was ready to step up to the challenge. But now, attention has shifted back to the ring as Alvarez prepares to defend his status as one of the sport's prominent figures.
Reacting to Jake Paul's intentions, Alvarez made his position clear. "Hey guys, don't pay attention to anything [from] this f—g Youtuber," he expressed vehemently. "I just fight real fighters... no f—g around with Canelo! Come on - Let's go!" Alvarez's intense demeanor signaled his frustration with the diversion caused by Paul's social media behavior.
According to Alalshikh, Alvarez will make his highly anticipated return on May 3, where he is scheduled to face current IBF super middleweight champion William Scull. The announcement came swiftly after the signing of the four-fight deal, leaving Alvarez at the center of boxing’s limelight once again. Alalshikh posted on social media, "The legend Saul Alvarez Canelo will fight William Scull in undisputed fight in Riyadh on the 3rd of May … if he wins the fight in September will be undisputed again."
This upcoming fight holds major significance as Alvarez aims to reclaim the title he lost last year when he vacated the IBF championship, which had allowed Scull to triumph over Vladimir Shishkin for the empty belt. The stakes are high for Alvarez, who currently holds the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles and is passionate about re-establishing his undisputed champion status.
For Paul, the situation is less certain. With hopes for his shot at Alvarez now dashed, it appears he may be left searching for another contender to engage with. Alalshikh, not ready to let Paul drift away from the spotlight, proposed YouTube star Mr Beast as Paul's next opponent. "I have good advice for them. Let them bring Mr Beast and we can sanction it with Disney for the belt of YouTube," he suggested during his conversation with ESPN. This unexpected idea adds another layer to the ever-growing crossover of boxing and online influencers.
Paul last fought high-profile boxing veteran Mike Tyson back in November, where he emerged victorious by unanimous decision—a win bolstering his reputation. His victory over Tyson seemed to reaffirm his position as not just an entertainer but as a legitimate force within the boxing ring. But fans of authentic boxing rivalries might sense disappointment as Alvarez shifts focus away from the pursuit of Paul.
While Alvarez is preparing for significant bouts against established fighters like Scull and possibly Terence Crawford, it's unclear how Paul will endure the void left by their canceled fight. Both fighters have been at the forefront of discussions within boxing circles, sparking interests from fans with their unique fighting styles and personalities.
Observers are left wondering whether Paul can pivot quickly enough to remain relevant, especially as the boxing world increasingly trends back to traditional pathways of stardom. Alvarez remains firmly committed to his legacy, aiming to silence detractors and lead the sport with his dexterity and skill.
Regardless, the allegiance of their respective audiences and the hype surrounding their rivalries continues to brew—Alvarez's substantial fans rally behind his traditional boxing prowess, whereas Paul’s followers cheer for his unconventional approach. This dichotomy epitomizes the intersection of boxing’s classic roots with modern fame, setting the stage for future encounters, whether through the ropes or the digital domain.
The boxing community watches closely as prospects arise for both Alvarez and Paul. With Alvarez's four-fight commitment signaling major endeavors for his continued reign, and Paul's potential for entertaining showdowns growing murkier—it'll be fascinating to observe how each fighter navigates the upcoming challenges.