In a surprising turn of events, Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul are in the process of finalizing a deal for a high-stakes cruiserweight fight on May 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. This unexpected matchup has led to the suspension of negotiations for a previously planned fight between Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Canelo vs. Jake Paul: A Blockbuster Showdown
The Alvarez-Paul fight will be contested at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, making it a significant challenge for both fighters. Alvarez, a dominant force in boxing and the current unified champion at 168 pounds, has also previously held titles in the 175-pound division. On the other hand, Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation-turned-boxer, has not yet faced a world-class boxer at the elite level. However, his meteoric rise in the sport and strong fan base make this fight one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Streaming and Popularity of Jake Paul
The fight is expected to be streamed on Netflix, a move that follows Paul’s previous bout against 58-year-old Mike Tyson. Their eight-round fight in November set a record with 64 million concurrent streams on Netflix. The event, held at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, generated an impressive $18.1 million gate.
Despite his novice boxing skills, Paul, 28, has become one of boxing’s biggest attractions. His fights consistently draw massive viewership, making him a valuable name in the combat sports industry. The bout against Alvarez is expected to further solidify his standing as a major draw in boxing.
Crawford Fight Suspended
With the Alvarez-Paul fight now taking priority, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has halted efforts to finalize a contract for a September bout between Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Alalshikh had initially extended a lucrative three-fight offer to Alvarez, starting with a Crawford matchup, but those plans are now on hold.
Instead, sources indicate that Alalshikh will pivot to organizing a bout between Crawford and IBF welterweight titleholder Jaron “Boots” Ennis later this year. This change in plans could reshape the boxing landscape for both Alvarez and Crawford, with new opportunities emerging for each fighter.
Canelo’s Thoughts on Fighting Paul
The idea of Canelo Alvarez fighting Jake Paul isn’t entirely new. In a November episode of the “Full Send Podcast,” Alvarez was asked about the possibility of fighting Paul. His response was revealing:
“When I’m done with boxing at the top level, why not? I think it’s good because it attracts fans who don’t normally watch boxing. They know Jake Paul, but they don’t know anything about boxing.”
While Alvarez seemed open to the idea as an exhibition, the fact that the fight is now moving forward indicates a major shift in his approach. Instead of waiting until the twilight of his career, he is embracing this crossover fight much sooner.
What’s at Stake?
For Alvarez, this fight is an opportunity to further elevate his stardom while capitalizing on Paul’s vast audience. However, there is also a risk—should Paul manage to put up a strong performance, it could affect Alvarez’s legacy. Meanwhile, for Jake Paul, this fight is his biggest challenge yet. A victory over Canelo, no matter how improbable, would cement his legitimacy as a boxer.
Final Thoughts
With Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul nearing an agreement, boxing fans are in for an unexpected yet highly entertaining showdown. Whether this fight enhances the sport’s credibility or simply serves as another spectacle remains to be seen. One thing is certain: May 3 will be a night to remember.
