Canelo Álvarez Reportedly Sets His Terms for a Fight with Jake Paul
The Mexican boxing champ is known for carefully selecting his opponents and securing multimillion-dollar deals, often with strict conditions. However, he might be willing to bend his own rules for this potential matchup.
In recent weeks, rumors have been swirling that Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez is on the hunt for his next opponent, and one surprising name that has emerged is Jake Paul. The controversial YouTube star-turned-fighter has dabbled in both boxing and wrestling and appears eager for a shot at the Mexican superstar.
While Terence Crawford remains the most likely contender for Canelo’s next bout, Paul’s rising popularity—especially after his recent appearance at WWE’s Royal Rumble 2025—could give him a slim chance at securing the fight. However, Álvarez has repeatedly stated that he prefers opponents who can offer him a title shot, making it unlikely he would agree to fight Paul unless the stakes were right.
Many boxing fans believe that if the fight were to happen, it would be an exhibition match—similar to the one Canelo had against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in late 2024, which ended in a draw.
What Would It Take for Canelo to Accept the Fight?
To most people, the idea of a world-class champion like Canelo Álvarez taking on an amateur-level boxer like Jake Paul sounds absurd. However, surprisingly, Canelo has not ruled out the possibility of the fight happening.
According to Eddie Hearn, a top promoter with Matchroom Boxing, the Mexican superstar has considered the financial potential of a fight with Paul. The only way he would take it, though, is if the payday is massive.
"Every time I’ve talked to Canelo about Jake Paul, he’s always said, ‘Pay me the money, and I’ll fight him.’ That’s what I love about Canelo—he keeps it real. No nonsense. Give him the money, and he’ll fight. That’s it," Hearn stated.
One of the biggest obstacles to making this fight happen would be the weight class. Paul bulked up to 220 lbs (99.7 kg) for his fight against Tyson, making him a heavyweight. Meanwhile, Canelo fought at 167 lbs (75.6 kg) in his last bout against Edgar Berlanga. If this fight were to happen, both sides would have to agree on a catchweight that suits them both.
"So Canelo looks at Jake Paul and says, ‘Yeah, you wanna pay me? I’ll fight him.’ I don’t like a lot of things Jake Paul has done, but if he steps in the ring with Canelo Álvarez—and let’s be real, he’s doing it for a huge payday—I’d watch it. I’d love to see it. And honestly? I’d respect it. If Jake Paul gets in there, he’s fighting one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world," Hearn added.
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul is an American content creator who transitioned into professional boxing. Born January 17, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio, he first gained fame on Vine and YouTube before stepping into the boxing world.
Since making his pro debut in 2020, Paul has built a record of 11 wins and 1 loss, with 7 knockouts. His only defeat came against Tommy Fury in February 2023, losing by split decision.
Some of his most notable wins include knockouts over Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, and Tyron Woodley. In November 2024, he fought former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, winning via unanimous decision in an eight-round fight.
Beyond boxing, Paul founded Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and created Boxing Bullies, an organization dedicated to anti-bullying initiatives. His presence in boxing has been both controversial and attention-grabbing, bringing in a new audience while challenging the sport’s traditional norms.
