Canelo Alvarez has entered a four-fight agreement with Riyadh Season, shifting focus from a highly anticipated bout against Jake Paul on Cinco de Mayo. This switch comes after Saudi Arabian entertainment chief Turki Alalshikh announced the deal, signalling Alvarez’s plans for a significant fight, potentially against Terence Crawford, who expressed eagerness for a September clash. Alvarez’s first match under this new contract is set for May in Riyadh.
Initially, the fight with Paul, which could have served as a warm-up for Alvarez, would have generated immense interest, tapping into various fan bases. However, the cancellation has led Paul’s management, MVP, to voice disappointment, insisting they were negotiating a substantial event for fans in Las Vegas. They emphasised their commitment to maintain integrity in boxing, while underscoring ongoing discussions with other major fighters.
Currently, Alvarez is preparing for his return to the ring after a previous victory against Edgar Berlanga, pushing his record to 62-2-2. The upcoming encounters promise to reshape the landscape of boxing and further consolidate Alvarez’s standing as a leading figure in the sport, especially with the backing of the Saudi Arabian government, which has been heavily investing in boxing events recently.