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Canelo Alvarez Drops Jake Paul Fight for Saudi Deal

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Canelo Alvarez Boxing Saudi Arabia Deal

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 10, 2025 – Canelo Alvarez‘s anticipated boxing match with Jake Paul has collapsed, as the champion opted for a lucrative four-fight agreement in Saudi Arabia, confirmed UFC CEO Dana White on Saturday.

The fight, which was set to take place on May 3 at T-Mobile Arena, was on the verge of being finalized before Alvarez signed the deal with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

“They control the sport of boxing right now,” White stated during a post-event news conference following UFC 312. “I don’t think it’s hard for them to steal anybody from anybody.”

Alvarez’s new contract includes a heavyweight matchup against undefeated IBF champion William Scull on May 3, followed by a potential mega-fight with super welterweight champion Terence Crawford later this year. White acknowledged that the influence wielded by Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority greatly impacts the boxing landscape.

During the negotiations, Paul criticized Alvarez’s decision, accusing him of choosing financial gain over a prestigious match. “Canelo sold out to Saudi Arabia’s deep pockets,” Paul remarked through social media. “You’re screwing over all your Mexican fans by doing your fights in Saudi.”

Paul had been preparing for a major announcement regarding his bout with Alvarez, with marketing materials already circulated. In a recent video, he displayed a signed contract allegedly from Alvarez, claiming it was a done deal before the switch to Saudi Arabia occurred.

“We were announcing Tuesday, February 11,” Paul said in his video. “Claiming he’s not fighting YouTubers? Look at the poster.”

Michael Bisping, a UFC Hall of Famer, defended Alvarez in the wake of Paul’s tirades, arguing that the boxer deserves respect. “Jake Paul is at it again making an absolute fool out of himself,” Bisping said. “I am very glad that Canelo Alvarez will not be gracing the ring with that imposter.”

As the controversy unfolds, the implications of Alvarez’s Saudi deal are significant not only for Paul but also for the boxing industry, signaling a shift in power dynamics. With potential high-profile fights on the horizon for Alvarez, the question remains where that leaves Jake Paul and his pursuit of marquee matchups.