Jake Paul, one of boxing’s most controversial figures, has revealed why a potential blockbuster bout with undisputed super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez ultimately fell through at the final hurdle.
Paul has been heavily involved in the sport since his bout against fellow YouTuber Deji in 2018 and has since built a professional record of 11 wins and 1 loss, including seven victories by stoppage.
The ‘Problem Child’ is set to return to the ring in June, facing former WBC world middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the latest step toward his ambitious goal of becoming a world champion.
The 39-year-old Chavez boasts a professional record of 54 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw over a 21-year career, with 34 of those victories coming by stoppage. While he is well into the twilight of his career, a win over Chavez would still add a notable name to Paul’s résumé.
The biggest name Paul could hope to add to his record is undoubtedly Canelo Alvarez, and he came agonisingly close to making it happen before the deal collapsed in the final stages of negotiations.
Jake Paul Shares Frustration On Canelo Fight Cancellations
Jake Paul secured his most recent victory against heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in November 2024, and revealed to Ariel Helwani that his team wasted no time after the Netflix spectacle in pursuing a fight with Canelo.
“It was like less than seventy two hours we were talking with Canelo’s team so it started instantly,” said Jake Paul.
“I think it was a mutual sort of reach out but Nakisa had been chatting with his lawyer for years, always knowing that the fight had to happen at some point.”
The mega fight was slated for Cinco de Mayo weekend, but negotiations came to a frustrating standstill, with Paul expressing frustration that certain figures within the sport are actively trying to derail his momentum.
“We were on the one-yard line and we got a pick six, in the fourth quarter game winner and we got intercepted.
I understand it, they threatened to pull Canelo’s 300 million dollar contract if he was to fight me, thats how bad they want me out of boxing. They can’t stand that I’m the one doing the biggest events.”
