The world of boxing has recently witnessed an unexpected turn of events, as negotiations between Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul fell apart. The Mexican boxer ultimately signed a deal with Riyadh Season for multiple fights, including one in Las Vegas and the rest in Saudi Arabia. This sudden shift has left fans and commentators questioning the future of high-profile boxing matches. The decision sparked widespread debate, particularly because many believed that a fight between Alvarez and Paul was imminent. When Ring Magazine confirmed the news, it became clear that Alvarez had indeed reconsidered his options, leaving many disappointed.

Jake Paul and his team were quick to respond to the development. The elder Paul brother shared a video on social media, allegedly showing Alvarez’s signature on confidential documents related to their proposed match. According to Paul, everything was set for the fight, but within 48 hours, the situation changed dramatically. The involvement of Saudi Arabian officials, notably Turki Al-Sheikh, played a significant role in convincing Alvarez to sign with them. This move has raised concerns about the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in the sport of boxing. At a recent UFC press conference, Dana White, the president of the mixed martial arts organization, expressed his views on the matter. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s financial power is reshaping the landscape of boxing, making it difficult for other promoters to compete.

The new agreement means that Alvarez will likely stage several fights in Riyadh, which could benefit the UFC indirectly. As one of the top competitors in terms of box office draw in the United States, Alvarez’s absence from American venues may reduce competition for the UFC. Last year, when Alvarez faced off against Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena, the event outperformed a concurrent UFC special PPV event. With Alvarez now venturing into the Middle East for his upcoming bouts, Dana White sees this as an opportunity for the UFC to gain more prominence in the U.S. market. Ultimately, while the boxing world adjusts to these changes, it’s clear that the sport is evolving, driven by global interests and financial incentives.