Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez is reportedly finalizing a fight with social media personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul, according to Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn. The revelation, made in an interview with Ring Magazine on Thursday, has left boxing fans frustrated, with many believing Alvarez is prioritizing financial gain over competitive integrity.
Initially, speculation suggested that Alvarez would take on Terence Crawford in what would have been a high-profile matchup between two of boxing’s top fighters. However, on Wednesday night, reports emerged that the fight had been canceled. The news fueled rumors that Alvarez was instead opting for a more lucrative bout, with Paul emerging as a strong possibility.
Hearn confirmed these suspicions, stating that while a fight with Crawford isn’t entirely ruled out, it appears that Alvarez vs. Paul is already set. Explaining the reasoning behind the decision, Hearn noted that while Crawford is a skilled fighter, he lacks the mainstream appeal that would generate higher pay-per-view numbers. In contrast, Paul, despite his relatively limited boxing experience, has established himself as a major draw, capable of attracting millions of viewers.
“I don’t blame Canelo Alvarez because financially the bigger fight is Canelo-Jake Paul,” Hearn said. “In that fight, you’ve got two big stars. In the other fight, you’ve got two great fighters, but only one big star.”
While Alvarez sees the financial appeal, many boxing purists argue that legacy should come before pay-per-view numbers. His decision to fight Paul instead of Crawford has sparked criticism from fans who believe he should focus on legacy-defining bouts. Despite the backlash, Hearn admitted that he, like many others, will still tune in when the fight takes place.
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