The boxing world has recently heaved a collective sigh of relief as Canelo Alvarez has officially turned his back on the noise created by social media influencer and fighter Jake Paul. This announcement comes after concerns bubbled up regarding Canelo possibly succumbing to the lure of easy money by engaging in a farcical bout with Paul. Instead, Alvarez has chosen to honor the sport by signing a four-fight deal that promises to deliver against legitimate boxing talent. As fans of the sport, we can appreciate the clarity this provides; let’s explore the implications of Canelo’s decisions in the ring moving forward.
For a moment, the idea that Canelo might fight Jake Paul created a sense of dread within the boxing community. This pairing would have seemingly trivialized a sport that has long stood as a hallmark of discipline, skill, and fierce competition. Speculation around Canelo potentially taking it easy on Paul, a notion equivalent to riffing on the very fabric of boxing, is now a mere ghost of what could have been—a fight that fans nearly unanimously deem nonsensical. This dynamic was poignantly captured when Canelo made it clear through his social media communications that he only fights “real fighters,” thus dispelling any legitimacy behind a contest with Paul.
In the end, Alvarez’s decision to withdraw from such an encounter not only maintains his reputation but also preserves the integrity of boxing itself. He is now free to engage in bouts ripe with competitive spirit and skill.
With Canelo’s signing of a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, the excitement for boxing fans should be palpable. Included in this schedule are bouts planned for May and September, with speculation about the opponents ranging from Jermall Charlo to Terence Crawford—two fighters with complex styles that could offer unique challenges. While some critiques suggest that Crawford may be undersized compared to Canelo, the potential for a riveting match remains. This intriguing matchup could serve to further establish Canelo’s dominance in the sport or provide an important milestone in Crawford’s career.
The boxing calendar is shaping up nicely, with additional fights slated in February and October, all centering around Riyadh. Canelo’s fanbase will be eager for updates regarding those potential opponents, as names like Dmitry Bivol, Chris Eubank Jr., and Hamzah Sheeraz have entered the discussion, reflecting the competitive variety being considered. However, there is a noteworthy absence from this list: David Benavidez.
While Canelo immerses himself in compelling matchups, the boxing community remains frustrated over the missed opportunity of facing Benavidez. Fans have been vocal about their desire to see this clash. Benjamin’s reputation as a significant contender raises questions regarding Canelo’s reluctance to make this fight happen. Both fighters are at the top of their game, and a showdown between the two would undoubtedly generate excitement and draw major viewership, something that is in stark contrast with the spectacle that would have accompanied a Canelo-Paul fight.
Canelo may state that he only battles “real fighters,” yet the tangible appetite for a Canelo-Benavidez fight signals a disconnected expectation between what fans want and the current match-up dynamics. For Alvarez, there may be factors beyond the ring—such as business interests and strategizing for legacy fights—that influence his match-up choices. It will be intriguing to see if the increasingly public outcry may, in fact, push Canelo towards reconsidering and fighting Benavidez before his career reaches its twilight.
In essence, Canelo Alvarez’s signature on a four-fight deal highlights a commitment to engaging with real opponents and reinforcing his reputation as a legitimate champion. Turning down a fight with Jake Paul not only prevented a circus-like atmosphere from encroaching upon the sport, but it also paved the way for meaningful matchups against formidable challengers. As we look toward the upcoming fights, the hope is that one of the calls will ultimately lead us to the highly-anticipated clash with Benavidez. Until then, all eyes are on Canelo to reclaim and fortify his legacy in the boxing arena.