Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez will fight on May 3, but not in Las Vegas and not against YouTuber Jake Paul.
A few hours after the unexpected announcement of the fight, Turki Al al-Sheikh, advisor to the King of Saudi Arabia and one of the most successful boxing promoters of modern times, revealed that the renowned Mexican boxer has signed a four-fight deal with him. The first bout will take place in the capital city of Riyadh.
Alvarez confirmed this news on social media, quoting Al al-Sheikh and writing, “Let’s go, brother.”
‼️EXCLUSIVE TO THE RING: Canelo Álvarez sends a message to his fans and to Jake Paul. pic.twitter.com/YgYb3F1W5q
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 8, 2025
“Canelo only fights real fighters,” the promoter stated in an interview with ESPN.
Sources report that the first fight under the contract will take place on May 4, ensuring a prime-time broadcast in the U.S. on May 3, coinciding with the Mexican national holiday “Cinco de Mayo.” Potential opponents being considered include Jermall Charlo and Bruno Surache.
This fight will serve as preparation for a mega-bout between Saul Alvarez and former undisputed welterweight world champion Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13 in Las Vegas.
“I’m looking forward to the fight with Canelo in September and I’m going to shock the world,” wrote the undefeated American on social media. Crawford will move up two weight classes to challenge for Canelo’s WBA, WBC, and IBF super middleweight titles.
The third fight in Alvarez’s contract is planned for February 2026 in Riyadh, with potential opponents including Dmitry Bivol, Hamza Sheeraz, and Chris Eubank Jr.