In a strategic move that has sent ripples through the boxing community, Canelo Alvarez has opted out of a proposed bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul , choosing instead to sign a monumental four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season.
This agreement, announced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is estimated to be worth $400 million.
The deal outlines an ambitious fight schedule for Álvarez, beginning with a match in May 2025, against IBF champion William Scull followed by a highly anticipated showdown against Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford in September 2025. The final two fights are slated for February and October 2026, both in Riyadh.
Financially, the agreement is staggering. If each of the four fights extends to the full 12 rounds, Álvarez stands to earn approximately $100 million per fight. This breaks down to about $8.33 million per round, $231,481 per minute, and an astonishing $3,858 per second in the ring, according to Action Network.
The initial fight under this contract is scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Before Scull was confirmed, names like Jermall Charlo and Bruno Surace were reportedly under consideration. This bout will serve as a precursor to the September 2025 mega-fight against Crawford, which is expected to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Álvarez’s decision to forgo the match with Jake Paul has elicited strong reactions. Jake Paul, who was anticipating a lucrative fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, expressed his frustration on social media, accusing Álvarez of prioritizing financial gain over genuine competition. Paul’s promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, also released a statement expressing disappointment and emphasizing their commitment to integrity in the sport.
This move by Álvarez is seen by many as a strategic effort to solidify his legacy by focusing on high-caliber opponents and securing substantial financial rewards. The inclusion of a bout against Terence Crawford, a three-division world champion, is particularly noteworthy and is anticipated to be one of the most lucrative boxing events in recent history.
The partnership with Riyadh Season underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the world of professional boxing. By attracting top-tier talent like Álvarez, the nation continues to position itself as a central hub for major sporting events.
