The much-anticipated boxing showdown between Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford has reportedly collapsed, leaving fans and pundits alike grappling with the news. Originally slated for September 2025, the fight was set to take place at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. It was expected to mark a historic clash between two pound-for-pound champions, with Crawford moving up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez, the unified super-middleweight champion.
According to The Ring, the cancellation stems from negotiations breaking down, with one major player, Turki Alalshikh, seeking to avoid staging the less lucrative event. Alalshikh, the Saudi boxing promoter, reportedly wanted to focus on promoting a more profitable clash between Canelo and YouTuber Jake Paul.
While Alvarez was known for his dominance at 168 pounds, having recently defended his super-middleweight titles against Edgar Berlanga, Crawford has claimed dominance at 147 pounds. He recently demonstrated this prowess by outpointing Errol Spence Jr. to become the undisputed welterweight champion.
Following the tumultuous news, Jake Paul has leapt at the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. The YouTube star has publicly expressed his desire to make the Canelo fight happen, and recent reports suggest it's now a 'done deal' for May 3, 2025, potentially at either Allegiant Stadium or T-Mobile Arena. This development could draw considerable attention, especially considering Paul’s significant social media following—27.7 million Instagram followers compared to Crawford’s 2 million.
Cynthia Conte, who reported on the situation, noted there are still unresolved issues, particularly with the weight at which the bout would occur. Paul fought as heavy as 227 pounds against Mike Tyson last November, raising uncertainty since Canelo’s fights are typically at or below 175 pounds.
While some see the matchup as less legitimate due to Paul's untraditional transition from social media to boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn views the bout as likely to generate substantial revenue. He suggested the fight could garner close to two million pay-per-view buys, with potential total revenue reaching nearly $200 million. Hearn candidly remarked, “He [Canelo] has no loyalty to anyone... Pay me the money, I will fight whoever you want me to fight.”
Opinions on the suitability of the Canelo vs. Paul matchup are mixed. Observers question whether the challenge is appropriate for one of boxing's elite, but they cannot ignore the monetary allure it presents. Hearn remarked, “I don’t mind the fight... He’s going to make an absolute fortune to punch Jake Paul.” With Alvarez being one of the biggest draws even against the backdrop of this recent cancellation, the intrigue is undeniable.
Conversely, Crawford finds himself at a crossroads. Following the collapse of his anticipated bout with Canelo, rumors swirl about potential futures—defending his welterweight title or perhaps moving up to challenge other competitors. Meanwhile, fans are clamoring for Alvarez to face undefeated contender David Benavidez. Many feel it is time for Canelo to finally grant Benavidez, who has long sought this fight, his opportunity.
The shifting dynamics of these fights highlight the realities of boxing today—fights often hinge less on competition and more on economic viability. With social media influence compelling decisions, it's evident the sport's traditional match structure is undergoing transformation.
Teofimo Lopez, the lightweight champion, offered his take on the matchups, predicting Crawford would struggle against Alvarez, saying, “What round does Crawford get knocked out?” Such speculations reflect the wider sentiment among fighters and fans alike about the value and intensity of these matchups.
For Canelo and Crawford, the future remains uncertain. While one awaits confirmation of his next likely bout with Paul, the other must now navigate the competitive welterweight field. The boxing world watches closely, eager for any updates and changes. Will Canelo's match with Paul provide the excitement his fans crave, or will Crawford successfully defend his championship against formidable contenders? Only time will reveal how these stories will continue to evolve.