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The highly anticipated showdown between boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is reportedly off, according to The Ring Magazine. Initially, The Ring had revealed that negotiations were in progress for Alvarez and Crawford—both four-division champions and among the top pound-for-pound fighters—to headline a Riyadh Season event in Las Vegas this September. However, the fight has now been scrapped altogether.
Alvarez (62-2-2), the reigning super middleweight champion, and Crawford (41-0), a dominant force who recently moved up to middleweight, were expected to deliver one of the most compelling matchups in boxing. However, recent speculation suggests that Alvarez might instead be eyeing a fight with influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
According to Fight Freaks Unite, discussions are taking place for Alvarez and Paul to square off on May 3, aligning with the traditional Cinco de Mayo weekend—a period during which Alvarez has frequently competed. Paul, who has previously expressed interest in fighting Alvarez, has not confirmed these latest reports, though he has cryptically hinted at an upcoming bout announcement on social media.
Despite his origins as a YouTube star, Paul has cemented himself as a significant name in combat sports. He holds wins over former UFC stars such as Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Tyron Woodley, as well as a recent bout with the legendary Mike Tyson. His fight with Tyson in November shattered records for Netflix, with the platform reporting that the event was watched in over 60 million homes.
While fans were eager to see Alvarez and Crawford face-off, the potential showdown with Paul has sparked both curiosity and criticism. Neither Alvarez nor Paul has publicly addressed the reports, but with Alvarez's next move still uncertain, the boxing world eagerly awaits an official announcement.