Boxing
Boxing Chaos: Canelo Alvarez's Shifting Plans and Controversial Reactions
2025-02-09

In a week filled with dramatic twists in the boxing world, the most significant developments revolved around Canelo Alvarez, Jake Paul, and Turki Alalshikh. Initially, reports suggested that Alvarez and Paul were set to face each other on May 3. However, these plans quickly unraveled when Alalshikh canceled discussions for a September match between Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Adding to the confusion, Alalshikh announced a four-fight agreement with Alvarez for Riyadh Season. This decision raised eyebrows among fans, who speculated that Paul was merely used as leverage. Meanwhile, Paul lashed out at both Alvarez and Alalshikh, accusing them of prioritizing financial gain over genuine competition. Despite the controversy, Alvarez's upcoming May 3 fight against IBF champion William Scull has been confirmed, marking his first bout outside the United States or Mexico.

The rapid succession of events in the boxing scene this week left many spectators bewildered. The initial buzz surrounding a potential clash between Alvarez and Paul quickly dissipated as new information emerged. Reports indicated that Alvarez had signed a multi-fight deal with Riyadh Season, a move that included bouts scheduled for May, September, February 2026, and October 2026. This development sparked debates about the motivations behind such arrangements. Some fans felt that Paul had been exploited to inflate Alvarez's value with Saudi promoters. Paul's outspoken criticism of Alvarez and Alalshikh further fueled the drama. He accused them of being driven by monetary interests and undermining the integrity of the sport. While some agreed with Paul's assessment, others dismissed his claims, citing his controversial career history.

Amidst the turmoil, details about Alvarez's upcoming matches began to surface. His May 3 encounter with William Scull is particularly noteworthy, as it will be Alvarez's attempt to become undisputed champion at 168 lbs. Although this fight is significant, it has not generated much excitement due to Scull's perceived lack of competitive edge against Alvarez. Fans are more intrigued by the possibility of future matchups, including a highly anticipated showdown with Terence Crawford in September. However, the recent developments have cast a shadow over these plans, leaving many uncertain about what lies ahead for one of boxing's biggest stars.

The boxing landscape remains volatile, with ongoing speculation about Alvarez's future opponents and the implications of his new contract. While the May 3 fight against Scull marks an important milestone, the broader narrative revolves around the controversies surrounding the negotiations. As Alvarez prepares for his next challenge, the true impact of these decisions on his legacy and the sport itself remains to be seen. The coming months will undoubtedly bring more twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

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