Jake Paul calls Canelo Álvarez an 'owned slave' and says boxer 'ducked' him

Friday, a day after their negotiations for a blockbuster fight appeared to unravel.

“Canelo Alvarez ducked me.. .and is now an owned slave with no regard for the pride of the Mexican people who support him on US soil,” Paul wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “it’s not surprising when his whole career he has done nothing for the sport of boxing outside the ring.”

MVP Promotions, co-founded by Paul and business partner Nakisa Bidarian, issued a statement saying Paul was “deep in negotiations” for a blockbuster fight. ESPN reported that Álvarez nixed the deal and signed a deal with Saudi Arabian powerbrokers.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced that Álvarez signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Alalshikh said the first fight will be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in May. No opponent has been announced.

Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) is widely considered boxing’s biggest star. But Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) declared he is “the new face of boxing” while also writing, “You cannot have the biggest fight of 2025 without my name involved. When all of your events tank and lose money you will all realize who the king of the sport is.”

Paul noted he is 28 and coming off a victory over Mike Tyson – “Biggest fight in boxing history” he wrote on X– while adding of himself. “My own boss. Not owned. 5 years in. All of you felines want to see me fail, but god has other plans. It’s the era of good. The era of the elephant. It’s the era of MVP.”

MVP Promotions, co-founded by Paul and business partner Nakisa Bidarian, issued a statement saying Paul was “deep in negotiations” for a blockbuster fight against Álvarez before the deal apparently fell through.

ESPN reported Thursday the two boxers were finalizing a deal but later reported Canelo had nixed the prospective fight. The bout was to be held on Cinco Da Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, according to MVP Promotions.

“We remain in active discussions with multiple high-profile opponents and are committed to delivering the biggest fights, the most exciting events, and to working with partners who share are values and our commitment to boxing and its fighters,” the statement read.

MVP Promotions did not immediately respond to requests for more information about negotiations with Álvarez.

Turki Alalshikh, he chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has announced Álvarez has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Alalshikh said the first fight will be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in May.