JAKE PAUL has emerged as a shock contender to fight Canelo Alvarez NEXT – with an agreement reportedly in place.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has audaciously called out pound-for-pound great Canelo over the years.
But according to Mexican journalist Julianis Julius, the fight could be a reality for as early as this summer.
He reported online: “There is already an agreement for Jake Paul to be Canelo Álvarez’s rival in May of this year, a source very close to the operation informs me.
“The event will be co-promoted by Canelo Promotions & MVP & PBC.”
Paul has 11 wins and just one loss – to Tommy Fury via split-decision in 2023 – on his boxing record.
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And he most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November but the bout was heavily criticised amid the age gap.
It was also his first fight at heavyweight, bulking up to 16st 2lb after three fights at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb.
Canelo meanwhile is the current 168lb super-middleweight champion FOUR STONE lighter at 12st.
The Mexican superstar is also in talks to fight unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 37, in September in Las Vegas.
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And his usual Cinco de Mayo fight date in May remains open amid the shock reports of facing Paul.
But Paul did appear to suggest his next bout could instead be in July in New York.
He posted: “It’s time. Sat July 5th. New York, New York.”
Canelo, 34, has refused to rule out fighting Paul, 28, in the past – leaving fans fearing he is ready to cash out in his career.
One posted: “Canelo about to retire.”
Another said: “Looks like my boy Canelo is about to retire.”
Paul was probed on his callouts of Canelo on the All The Smoke Fight podcast and he replied: “He’s not a monster in my eyes.
“This is the thing, everyone’s going to tune in to want to see me f***ing die, basically.”
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And Canelo said on the Full Send Podcast in 2023: “When I’m done with boxing, why not? Yeah, maybe.
“I think it’s good cause what happens is other people who never watch boxing, they don’t know anything about boxing, they want to watch Jake Paul because he brings fans from another world.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
