On August 25, 2018, Jake Paul made his boxing debut by defeating Deji in a white-collar amateur match. That marked the start of his journey into the sport, which quickly grew into a passionate pursuit. Over time, Paul has set his sights on achieving the lofty goal of winning a world championship. One opponent who consistently occupied his dreams was Canelo Alvarez, a name he has been eyeing for years. However, recent developments have caused Paul to abandon this ambition.
Jake Paul’s boxing career hit a new peak with his highly anticipated Netflix showdown against Mike Tyson. The match broke viewership records as fans tuned in to watch the improbable clash. While the fight brought fame and recognition, it also drew heavy criticism, particularly targeting Paul. Among those criticizing the event was Canelo Alvarez himself, adding an unexpected twist to their potential rivalry.
Jake Paul Abandons the Canelo Dream
The controversy following the Paul-Tyson bout led to a flood of backlash, with many accusing the fight of being staged. Several notable boxing figures, including Gervonta Davis, Artur Beterbiev, Edgar Berlanga, and Nico Ali Walsh, voiced their discontent, often citing concerns about Tyson’s health. Canelo Alvarez, once a dream opponent for Paul, also weighed in on the matter.
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In a video shared by FightHype, Canelo expressed sadness over seeing Tyson in the ring at his age. “I feel sad about what I saw from Mike Tyson… he can’t do that kind of stuff. But it’s business for them, and it’s fine, whatever,” said the Mexican superstar. Reflecting on the idea of fighting Paul, Canelo admitted he briefly considered it after seeing the fight. However, the criticism and controversy surrounding the bout dissuaded him from fully committing to the idea. “But we’ll see,” he remarked, leaving the possibility open-ended.
The Turning Point
For Jake Paul, the aftermath of the Tyson fight proved to be a pivotal moment. He took to social media to address the situation, expressing frustration with the criticism and accusations. “Why the f–k would I give him the payday? When I beat him, it would be the same bulls–t and lies that Canelo was too small and Jake Paul paid him off,” he posted on X. This statement, which was later shared on Most Valuable Promotions’ Instagram account, attracted attention and sparked debate among fans and critics alike.
One notable response came from Paul’s former opponent, Mike Perry. Commenting on the Instagram post, Perry proposed an alternative challenge: a fight against Daniel Dubois, the reigning IBF heavyweight champion. Perry wrote, “Fight the heavyweight champ that called you out. That’s a great fight. Daniel Dubois vs Jake Paul.” The suggestion added a new dimension to Paul’s ongoing journey, though it remains unclear whether such a match will materialize.
The Road Ahead
As Jake Paul continues to navigate his unique boxing career, he finds himself at a crossroads. While fights against high-profile names like Canelo Alvarez or Daniel Dubois could generate massive pay-per-view revenue, they also represent significant risks. If Paul truly aims to achieve his dream of becoming a world champion, he will eventually need to face a ranked contender.
Some fans argue that Paul should focus on avenging his loss to Tommy Fury, a blemish on his otherwise successful record. Others believe he should seek out new challenges to prove his legitimacy as a contender. Whichever path he chooses, Paul’s journey in boxing remains one of the most polarizing and discussed stories in the sport today.
The question now is: Can Jake Paul transition from being a spectacle to a serious contender in the world of boxing? Or will his career remain defined by high-profile yet divisive events? Only time will tell as Paul continues to push the boundaries of his unorthodox rise in the sport.