Jake Paul Loses Canelo Fight Opportunity to Saudi Promotion

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2025 — Jake Paul faced disappointment today after learning that a highly anticipated boxing match against Canelo Alvarez fell through. Although Paul believed a deal was imminent, Alvarez signed a multi-fight deal with Riyadh Season, a Saudi Arabia-based promotion, leaving Paul without the fight he had counted on.

Paul had secured contracts and a partnership with Netflix for what would have been his most significant bout to date. However, just before an announcement was expected, news broke of Alvarez’s agreement with Riyadh Season, which has been responsible for some of the biggest events in recent boxing history.

Speaking on his brother Logan Paul‘s YouTube channel, Jake reflected on his shock and frustration. “Pretty shitty,” he said when asked about the situation. “I feel really bad. We’re literally, we’re verbally agreed, Nakisa [Bidarian] signed the contract with Netflix on our side. It was in their inbox and they’re like ‘yeah we’re signing it.’ I’m pissed.”

After Alvarez’s confirmation, Paul reacted strongly in a viral video, accusing the two-time world champion of negotiating in bad faith. “Canelo chose to go behind my back,” Paul stated, making it clear that he felt blindsided by the sudden change. The disappointment comes at a critical moment for Paul, who has been in a constant search for high-profile matchups since his boxing career began.

With the Canelo opportunity lost, Paul has not yet publicized his next opponent. However, he has recently displayed a taste for luxury after purchasing a private plane, seemingly using retail therapy to cope with his fight’s demise. “I’m looking for a real boxer,” Paul emphasized while dismissing a potential matchup against fellow YouTuber KSI, who is also associated with Prime Energy drinks, the brand the two have teamed up on.

Logan acknowledged his brother’s feelings but mentioned KSI’s upcoming fight planned for March, indicating that Paul’s chances of meeting him in the ring could be slim. Despite the rivalry, it appears Paul is not inclined to return to influencer boxing. “I want a real boxer,” he reiterated, emphasizing his desire for a serious challenge in the ring.

Jake Paul fought last in November, securing a unanimous decision victory against his opponent, attracting over 100 million viewers on Netflix. As he weighs his future options, fans remain eager to see who he will face next amid the evolving landscape of combat sports.