No one ever really seems to know what Canelo Alvarez is thinking for his next move. As of this moment, that appears to be the case once again. When everything seemed set for the Mexican superstar to fight Terence Crawford in a show-stopping bout, news broke on Wednesday night that plans for that fight were canceled.
That had many wondering what Alvarez had up his sleeve, with many fans predicting that it meant someone like Jake Paul was ready to swoop in and steal the show. No pure boxing fanatic wanted to believe that would be the case, but Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn has poured the whole can of gasoline into those fires one day later.
Eddie Hearn confirms Canelo Alvarez vs Jake Paul fight is happening
Hearn revealed as much in an interview with Ring Magazine on Thursday: “Don’t rule out Canelo-Crawford, but as I’m hearing, Canelo-Jake Paul is done“.
Hearn first delved into some of the reasoning behind Alvarez choosing Paul over Crawford. Simply put, Paul is a bigger star and would bring in more money for Canelo.
I don’t blame Canelo Alvarez because financially the bigger fight is Canelo-Jake Paul. Because in that fight you’ve got two big stars. In the other fight, you’ve got two great fighters. One big star and Terence Crawford, who should be a big star, but the reality is he isn’t. He’s just an unbelievable fighter.
Whether boxing fans want to admit it or not, Paul is a bigger draw than even the very best fighters in the sport. Alvarez clearly sees that and wants another massive payday as he enters his mid-30s.
Hearn says he understands Alvarez’s decision, and makes sure to admit that he’ll watch the bout. There’s no doubt that millions of others will be doing the same thing in a few months.