Canelo’s Shocking Move: Ditching Crawford for Jake Paul?

Canelo’s Shocking Move: Ditching Crawford for Jake Paul?

The whirlwind of changes surrounding Canelo Alvarez’s fight schedule has left boxing fans in total confusion.

From a Superfight With Crawford to a Jake Paul Showdown?

Earlier this week, the boxing world was abuzz with reports that Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, had reached an agreement to fight Terence Crawford, the reigning welterweight king. The highly anticipated bout was set to take place in September in the U.S., promising to be one of the biggest matchups in recent history.

However, just as details on weight class, location, and timing began to emerge, The Ring magazine—which is owned by Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority—stunned fans by announcing that the fight was canceled. Adding to the chaos, rumors quickly spread that Canelo was instead eyeing a fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

A True Superfight or Just Another Circus Act?

A showdown between Canelo and Crawford would be a historic clash between two of boxing’s elite fighters. But a fight against Jake Paul? Many view it as nothing more than a cash grab spectacle, given Paul’s lackluster credentials—especially since his most recent victory was against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson.

Canelo’s $100M Deal: Four Fights, One Big Payday

Amid the frenzy, Turki Alalshikh once again flexed his power on social media, revealing that he had signed Canelo to a four-fight deal under Riyadh Season.

“Don’t play with the lion. Four fights for Canelo under Riyadh Season, contract signed. A lion doesn’t care about the noise of the sheep.” – Alalshikh declared.

Sources suggest that this mega-deal includes the Crawford fight in September, but only after Canelo first faces Jake Paul in May. The final two fights under this contract are scheduled for February and October 2026.

Crawford Still Wants Smoke

Under Alalshikh’s post, Terence Crawford quickly responded, keeping fans hopeful:
“I’m waiting for Canelo in September and will shock the world at Riyadh Season!”

Previously, after news broke that the Canelo fight had fallen through, speculation arose that Crawford might instead face Jaron Ennis, the IBF welterweight champion. Crawford had been stripped of his IBF title in November 2023 for failing to defend it against Ennis.

However, with Alalshikh now taking full control, fans will have to wait for official confirmation to see what Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford’s next move will truly be.