These last few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions for boxing, when it seemed that everything was agreed for the fight between Canelo and Jake Paul, all negotiations fell through. The Mexican signed an agreement with Riyadh Season for four fights of the Guadalajara boxer, one in Las Vegas and the rest in Arab lands
All this caused a stir and criticism, especially because the reality is that Saul did think about fighting the content creator, leaving a lot of feeling of disappointment. When it became official by Ring Magazine, the media published a video where Canelo denied a supposed fight against the ‘YouTuber’
Jake Paul and his promoter did not remain silent and the elder of the ‘Paul’ brothers posted a video on his account, where he showed Canelo’s signature on some confidential documents. They already had everything ready to make the fight, but the Arab sheikh, Turki Al-Sheikh arrived to convince Canelo to sign with them in a matter of 48 hours of madness for boxing fans
Saudi Arabia controls boxing
At the UFC 312 press conference, a reporter asked Dana White, president of the mixed martial arts company, his opinion on how Turki stole Jake Paul’s fight with Canelo:
“They control the sport of boxing right now. I don’t think it’s hard for them to steal somebody from anybody,” was Dana’s blunt response
Clearly, the president of the UFC knows how powerful Saudi Arabia is, pointing to the country as the owner of the sport. The money they are offering is crazy and obviously the boxers will not let it pass
Good news for the UFC?
Canelo would have to fight approximately three fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That would be good news for Dana White, as one of his top competitors in terms of box office in the United States would be making some trips to the Middle East to work
If anyone affects the box office of the UFC, it is Saul Alvarez, without a doubt. We only have to remember when they competed hand in hand on September 15 last year, Canelo faced Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena and the mixed martial arts company performed at the Sphere
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez not only beat the Puerto Rican that night, but also that special UFC event in PPV sales, so it’s definitely good news for Dana White that the Mexican is going to make some fights in Saudi Arabia.