Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez was close to fighting Jake Paul this year.
The unlikely match-up was dashed at the last minute when Canelo – currently unified champion at 168 pounds – instead opted to stick to the traditional scene, signing a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh.
Speaking on Hot 97, the elite Mexican champion revealed just how far talks had progressed before leaving the door open for it to take place in the future, but only when he is done with the more serious business of world championships.
“I think everybody wants to see me beat Jake Paul. You know, I thought about it for a minute, we agreed for the promoters to go and see what the numbers are for that fight in May.
“I don’t call that a fight, I call it an event. That event needs to wait. It’s not the moment to do that kind of event at this moment in my career. I think at the end of my career, when I’m retired, maybe. We’ll see.”
Asked how he rates the YouTuber-turned-fighter skill-wise, Canelo said it was hard to say but did praise his dedication to the sport.
“He’s focused. He’s focused on boxing. He’s disciplined. We need to credit him for that. Maybe he’s more disciplined than other fighters.
“But, as a fighter, it’s very difficult to say. That’s why when you say ‘a fight with Jake Paul’ for me it’s difficult to say a fight. It’s more an event than a fight.”
Paul is yet to announce his next opponent, though news is expected soon.
As for Canelo, he kicks off his Riyadh Season deal with an undisputed clash against new IBF Super-Middleweight World Champion William Scull. Should he win and become four-belt ruler once more, extra intrigue is added to an already booked mega fight against Terence Crawford in Las Vegas this September.
