Jake Paul vs.Canelo Alvarez reportedly set for May ahead of Terence Crawford fight

Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is reportedly set to face social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul in May 2025. 

This unexpected matchup comes ahead of Alvarez’s anticipated bout against Terence Crawford in September.

Despite speculation that Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KO) would face IBF champion William Scull or rising contender Christian Mbilli, reports indicate he has instead agreed to a high-profile fight against Paul (11-1, 7 KO). The YouTuber-turned-fighter is coming off a blockbuster exhibition against Mike Tyson in November, following his victory over MMA veteran Mike Perry in July.

While Paul has steadily built his boxing record, few give him a real chance against Alvarez, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. The fight is expected to generate massive revenue but has also drawn criticism from boxing purists who argue it’s a non-competitive spectacle rather than a legitimate title bout.

Alvarez’s decision to take this fight means he will go a full year without facing a true super middleweight contender. However, with his showdown against Crawford looming, fans will be watching closely to see if this bout is just a stepping stone or an unnecessary risk.