Jake Paul’s promoters have issued a statement after the American’s proposed fight with Canelo Alvarez collapsed. Paul was widely expected to fight Alvarez in Las Vegas this May.
However, the Mexican has pulled the plug on discussions and instead landed a four-fight deal in Saudi Arabia. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, confirmed the agreement on social media.
It is reported that a fight with YouTuber-turned-Boxer Paul is not involved in the deal.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) say they are ‘disappointed’ but they remain in talks with other opponents. Paul remains likely to fight in May.
An MVP statement read: “MVP was deep in negotiations with for a blockbuster fight between Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, a massive event for the Mexican, Puerto Rican and American fans, and it’s disappointing to see how the situation unfolded.
“MVP operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for the sport, its athletes, and the fans. Unfortunately, not everyone in the boxing world shares those values.
“This situation is a reminder not to believe everything you read, especially when the current media environment is often controlled by those with hidden agendas, including promoters who have reporters on their payroll.
“We remain in active discussions with multiple high-profile opponents and we are committed to delivering the biggest fights, the most exciting events, and to working with partners who share our values and our commitment to boxing and its fighters.
“Jake Paul isn’t going anywhere, and neither is MVP. We’ll continue to disrupt boxing, on our own terms.”
It comes after Alalshikh wrote on X: “Don’t mess with the lion … 4 fights for Canelo with Riyadh Season …
“The Deal is done … A Lion doesn’t lose sleep over opinion of a sheep… Fear the lion not the jungle.”
In a seemingly pointed dig at Paul, Alalshikh subsequently told ESPN: “Canelo only fights real fighters.”
Paul, 28, responded to the news by posting: “Breaking news: Canelo Alvarez ducked me Jake Paul and is now an owned slave with no regard for the pride of the Mexican people who support him on US soil.
“It’s not surprising when his whole career he has done nothing for the sport of boxing outside the ring. I’m the new face of boxing. You cannot have the biggest fight of 2025 without my name involved.
“When all of your events tank and lose money you will all realise who the king of the sport is. 28 years old. Biggest fight in boxing history. My own boss. Not owned. Five years in. All of you felines want to see me fail, but god has other plans. It’s the era of good. The era of the elephant. It’s the era of MVP.”
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