Boxing may be close to writing another controversial and media-driven chapter. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, world champion and one of the icons of modern boxing, surprised many by leaving the door open to a potential clash with Jake Paul. Months ago, he had categorically dismissed the idea, but now he admits that although it is not a priority, he would not completely reject a bout against the content creator turned professional boxer.

Canelo, focused on Crawford but reacting to Paul’s provocations

The Mexican fighter is fully focused on his upcoming showdown with Terence Crawford, scheduled for September 13 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Canelo assured that it will be a highly demanding fight, but made it clear he trusts his punching power to make the difference: “I’ve always been shorter than my rivals, but we’ll see who feels the power more.”

Despite that concentration, he couldn’t avoid commenting on Paul, who has made a habit of provoking him inside and outside the ring. The American stirred controversy again by dressing up with Mexican stereotypes and smashing piñatas with the faces of Canelo Álvarez and Julio César Chávez Jr., ahead of his fight with Chávez Jr. in Anaheim. The act drew criticism from fans and boxing figures alike, but Paul seems determined to keep the spotlight on himself.

Jake Paul, from influencer to world-ranked fighter

Paul’s boxing journey has been questioned, but his latest results have forced many to take notice. After defeating Julio César Chávez Jr., and earlier a veteran like Mike Tyson, the World Boxing Association (WBA) ranked him 14th in the cruiserweight division, making him eligible for a world title shot.

While many still see him as a showman, Paul has managed to appear in official rankings, inevitably bringing him closer to more high-profile fights. His flashy, media-driven style clashes with boxing’s traditions, but his events generate millions, an appeal even Canelo cannot completely ignore.

A fight that divides opinions

For the Mexican champion, a fight with Paul wouldn’t be about money but about magnitude. “Not for money, it won’t make me richer or poorer, but these are big fights, fights of pride,” Álvarez stated. He also hinted at taking his boxing career to international venues in the future, such as Japan or England.

A potential matchup between Canelo Álvarez and Jake Paul would be both generational and cultural: the established face of boxing versus the disruptive influencer seeking recognition in the sport. The storyline is already written, and while it isn’t an immediate reality, the mere fact that Canelo isn’t shutting the door keeps alive the anticipation of a fight that would divide fans but almost certainly fill arenas and break viewing records.