Canelo Signs Massive Saudi Deal, Leaving Jake Paul in the Dust

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has officially locked in a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, setting the stage for some highly anticipated bouts over the next two years. While rumors had been circulating about a potential fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, recent developments confirm that Canelo will instead take on elite opponents, including Terence Crawford.

A Shift in the Fight Landscape

For months, fans speculated about Canelo’s next fight, with rumors pointing to a possible matchup against Jake Paul. However, Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh put an end to those talks by securing Canelo for multiple major fights.

His schedule now includes a bout in May 2025 against an unnamed opponent, followed by a high-stakes fight against Crawford in September at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. If all goes as planned, he will return to the ring in February and October 2026.

A Clash of Champions

Instagram | tbudcrawford | Crawford accepted the Canelo challenge, aiming to shake up the boxing world in September.

Crawford, known for his dominance across multiple weight classes, wasted no time reacting to the announcement. Expressing confidence in his ability to make history, he stated, “Canelo in September—this is my moment to shake up the boxing world.”

The fight presents an exciting challenge, as Crawford will be moving up two weight divisions to take on the Mexican champion. The prospect of two undisputed champions facing off has already generated significant excitement among boxing enthusiasts.

Potential Opponents for Canelo’s 2025-2026 Bouts

While the September fight against Crawford is set, speculation continues regarding Canelo’s other matchups. Reports indicate that his May fight could be against Jermall Charlo or Bruno Surace. Looking ahead to 2026, possible contenders include Hamzah Sheeraz, Chris Eubank Jr., or Dmitry Bivol—the latter being the only fighter to have defeated Canelo in recent years.

Mike Coppinger of ESPN shared insights into these possible matchups, further fueling discussions about the challenges Canelo will face during his contract with Riyadh Season.

Jake Paul’s Response to the Decision

Before Canelo’s contract was finalized, Paul’s team kept details about his fight plans unclear. Bavafa Sports, led by his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, stated: “When there’s something to announce, we’ll announce it. No outside promoter truly knows the status of ongoing negotiations.”

While Paul pushed for a fight with Canelo, the Mexican champion chose to take on higher-ranked opponents. Paul has made headlines by beating former UFC champions and retired fighters, but with this latest decision, he’ll have to find a new opponent for his next challenge.

Canelo and Crawford’s Recent Performances

Instagram | boxingloco | Canelo reigns supreme at super-middleweight, while Crawford conquers welterweight and super-welterweight.

Canelo, a former undisputed super-middleweight champion, has demonstrated his continued dominance in the ring. His most recent fights saw him defeat Edgar Berlanga and Jaime Munguia, retaining his titles with convincing performances.

Crawford, on the other hand, has proven himself as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport. After an impressive win over Errol Spence Jr. in 2023 to claim undisputed welterweight status, he followed it up by securing the WBA super-welterweight title with a victory against Israil Madrimov in 2024.

The Road Ahead for Canelo

With this deal in place, Canelo is set for a busy and competitive schedule. The matchups against elite fighters will keep fans engaged and elevate his legacy in the sport. As anticipation builds, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if Canelo can maintain his dominance or if one of his upcoming opponents will manage to dethrone him.