Super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has suggested the possibility of retiring after completing his lucrative four-fight agreement with Riyadh Season. The renowned Mexican boxer was on the verge of finalizing a match with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Las Vegas in May, only to change course later.
Instead, Alvarez will face William Scull for all four super-middleweight titles in Saudi Arabia as part of the deal with Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh, who preferred Alvarez not to fight Paul.
If Alvarez triumphs against Scull, his next challenge will be against Terence Crawford in a significant bout scheduled for September, followed by two more fights next year. Turning 35 in July, Alvarez has recently contemplated his future, acknowledging his remarkable achievements in boxing and hinting at the possibility of retirement, which would disappoint Paul.
However, Alvarez clarified that he still enjoys boxing and is not solely motivated by financial gains. While money is important, his focus remains on relishing the sport. He emphasized that he will continue competing until he feels it is the right time to retire, possibly around the ages of 37 or 38.
If Alvarez successfully navigates past Scull and Crawford, he might consider a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, who previously defeated him in 2022, sparking Alvarez’s eagerness for redemption. Additionally, a highly anticipated showdown with David Benavidez could materialize next year, given their history of exchanging verbal jabs.
Regarding Jake Paul, the American celebrity boxer has been inactive since his victory over Mike Tyson last November. Despite Alvarez not ruling out a potential clash with Paul in the future, he clarified that no official plans exist currently. Alvarez expressed contentment with aligning with Turki Alalshikh and selecting opponents like Scull that contribute to his legacy, hinting that a bout with Paul could be considered in the distant future.
In response to bypassing the bout with Paul, Alvarez affirmed his decision to collaborate with Turki Alalshikh, emphasizing the importance of focusing on opponents like Scull at this stage of his career to continue his legacy. He labeled a potential fight with Paul as more of an event than a genuine fight, indicating it could be a post-retirement endeavor.
By opting to prioritize his legacy and strategic career moves, Alvarez is setting the stage for potential future showdowns while keeping the door slightly ajar for unforeseen matchups with personalities like Jake Paul.