Home Columns Jake Paul makes shock U-turn on Canelo Alvarez fight

Jake Paul makes shock U-turn on Canelo Alvarez fight

Paul has hit out at Alvarez Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Paul has hit out at Alvarez Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

In the wacky world of modern day boxing, talk of a fight between Jake Paul and four-weight world champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has actually gained traction in recent months.

Despite the vast gulf in experience and ability between Paul and Canelo, a clash between them would, rightly or wrongly, bring in more eyeballs than almost any other in the sport.

The Mexican superstar said in an interview this week that he would perhaps be open to the bout as a means of getting revenge for Mike Tyson, who ‘The Problem Child’ comfortably outpointed in Dallas last month.

And despite having repeatedly called out Alvarez in the past, Paul has now seemingly poured cold water on the idea – because he believes he would not get proper credit “when” he is victorious.

“Why the f*** would I give him the payday?” he wrote on X.

“When I beat him it would be the same bulls*** and lies…that Canelo was too small and Jake Paul paid him off.”

Canelo Alvarez says his desire to face Jake Paul increased after watching his win over Mike Tyson Photo Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom/Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions
Canelo Alvarez says his desire to face Jake Paul increased after watching his win over Mike Tyson Photo Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom/Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions

To state the obvious, a fight against Alvarez would represent a mammoth step-up in class from Paul’s previous opponents, the majority of whom have been faded mixed martial arts combatants.

The brash YouTuber has only tasted defeat once so far in his professional boxing journey, coming out on the wrong end of a split decision to Tommy Fury back in 2022.

Alvarez was unimpressed by Paul vs Tyson Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Most Valuable Promotions
Alvarez was unimpressed by Paul vs Tyson Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Most Valuable Promotions

He came under heavy criticism for his bout with Tyson, with the 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion visibly a shadow of his former self.

There were even claims that the controversial fight, which drew upwards of 100 million viewers, was rigged – however Paul’s MVP Promotions quickly put out a statement to refute the allegations.

Alvarez was last out in September, when he easily defended his unified super middleweight crown with a decision victory over Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas.