In an unexpected twist that shook the boxing world, Turki Alalshikh, organiser of the Riyadh Season and the General Entertainment Authority, announced an impressive four-fight deal with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. In a defiant message on social media, Alalshikh said: “Don’t play with the lion… 4 fights for Canelo with Riyadh Season… The deal is done… A lion does not lose sleep over the opinion of a sheep… Fear the lion, not the jungle.”
This announcement puts an end to rumors circulating about a possible matchup between Canelo and influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. According to information obtained by Ring Magazine, the fight with Paul simply will not happen, debunking previous reports that indicated otherwise.
Canelo’s alternatives if he doesn’t fight Jake Paul
The agreement with Riyadh Season stipulates that Canelo’s first fight under this contract will take place in May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his debut in this ambitious project. Among the possible opponents mentioned are Jermall Charlo and Bruno Surace, who recently shocked Jaime Munguia.
The shocking announcement also ends a week of speculation and drastic changes to Canelo’s schedule. Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Mexican had a deal in place to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. However, within 48 hours, the fight was scrapped and rumors began of a showdown with Jake Paul on May 3.
Thursday became a day of madness for boxing. First, reports about the imminent signing of Canelo against Paul went viral. Then, ESPN journalist Mike Coppinger reported that Alalshikh had “suspended his efforts” to close a three-fight deal between Canelo and Riyadh Season. Finally, Alalshikh broke the news of the four-fight deal, dispelling any possibility of a clash with the influencer.
Is the fight between Canelo and Terence Crawford back on?
According to sources close to the situation, Canelo will fight in September in Las Vegas in the highly anticipated mega-fight against Crawford, this time under the Riyadh Season banner. Then, in February 2026, he will return to Riyadh for another stellar showdown, where he could face Dmitry Bivol in a rematch, Hamzah Sheeraz or Chris Eubank Jr. Finally, the deal culminates in October 2026 with a fourth fight in Riyadh.
With this contract, Canelo reinforces his status as one of boxing’s biggest stars and rules out any possibility of a fight against Jake Paul, who will have to look for another opponent in his attempt to enter the boxing elite. Once again, the lion does not lose sleep over the opinion of a sheep.
