In a sudden turn of events, boxing’s biggest star, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, according to a social media post by Turki Alalshikh.
Per Alalshikh and The Ring, Canelo’s next four fights will be the following:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May, Las Vegas, NV, in September (Terence Crawford), and then back in Riyadh in February & October 2026.
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) February 7, 2025
This comes as a shock to those following all of the stories that have come out surrounding Canelo, Crawford and Jake Paul. At the start of the week, The Ring Magazine’s social media account reported that Canelo vs. Crawford had an agreement to fight in September at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Then, on Wednesday, the same Ring Magazine social media account reported that the fight was off, followed by a story on the Ring’s website.
Following news that the fight between Canelo vs. Crawford was off, Mike Coppinger’s ESPN reported that Canelo vs. Paul was being finalized for May 3 in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena, which would be contested at cruiserweight.
Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul are in the process of finalizing a deal for a May 3 cruiserweight fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, sources told ESPN. The bout will take place at the 200-pound limit (Canelo is a champion at 168 pounds). It’s slated to be streamed on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/Kz0cVeNErg
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) February 7, 2025
Late Thursday night, cryptic posts from Alalshikh began to make their rounds. Finally, he recorded a video announcing that Canelo had signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Although people, rightfully so, will still question the news, the only difference this time is that Canelo went on X and confirmed what Alalshikh posted by quote tweeting, “Let’s go brother.” The only question that remains is who will Canelo fight in May?
The Canelo Sweepstakes Is Back
We are back to the Canelo sweepstakes, and everyone from Jermall Charlo to Bruno Surace’s name is being thrown around as potential opponents. There is also IBF super middleweight champion William Skull if Canelo wants to get that belt back.
One name that I heavily doubt will be considered is WBA regular and WBC interim light heavyweight champion David Benavidez. Canelo has stood clear of Benavidez, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Canelo tried to get him to commit to a fight at 168 for a date that is 2 ½ months away. That would be some slick A-side stuff, but nothing we haven’t seen happen in the past.
With the Crawford fight in September, it will likely be someone who wouldn’t give Canelo too many problems. But will Alalshikh pay the undisclosed purse for Canelo to fight someone without a name in May? Soon, all will be revealed but for now, the rumor mill will be burning the midnight oil trying to figure out who Canelo will face in May. What is no longer up for debate is whether Canelo will sign to Riyadh Season, as that has now been put to bed with tonight’s announcement
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
