YouTube boxer Jake Paul has been left scrambling for options after super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez left him hanging. Earlier this year, reports revealed that Paul and Canelo are in talks to make a fight on May 3rd. Like Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson in November, Netflix was being eyed as the broadcast destination for the bout.

However, soon afterward Canelo signed a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, putting himself on a collision course with Terence Crawford in September. In the meantime, per his deal with the Saudis, Canelo would face William Scull on May 3rd. The fallout from Canelo and Paul’s failed negotiations saw the duo exchanging verbal blows on social media. 

While it doesn’t mean Paul and Canelo would never fight, Floyd Mayweather’s uncle, Jeff Mayweather, thinks it’s not happening anytime soon. While appearing in an interview on The Mayweather Channel recently, the legendary trainer revealed who Canelo would fight first before even thinking about entering the ring against someone like Paul.

“I would say, if he gets past Crawford, he is gonna fight [Dmitry] Bivol or [David] Benavidez,” Jeff said. It’s worth noting that Dmitry Bivol defeated Canelo back in May 2022, and there were talks of a rematch but they never materialized. The boxing world has since craved a second showdown between the duo.

David Benavidez, on the other hand, was Canelo’s mandatory for over a year, but Canelo refused to fight ‘The Mexican Monster’ because of the challenge he brought. Benavidez is largely considered Canelo’s biggest challenge, and Canelo’s move to demand an unbelievable $200 million for the fight further solidifies that opinion among fans.

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Regardless, when pressed about why Canelo would fight Benavidez instead of Paul next, Jeff simply answered, “I think everybody got a price. If the price is right… [Canelo would fight Benavidez.]” When reminded about a great offer from Paul for the fight, Jeff Mayweather suggested, “Yeah, but that price ain’t going to be as big as that.”

Floyd Mayweatehr’s uncle believes the Saudis would offer Canelo a lot more money to fight legitimate boxers than Paul could to fight him. Meanwhile, UFC honcho Dana White has shared his thoughts on the entire Paul-Canelo debacle.

Dana White reacts to Turki Alalshikh signing Canelo Alvarez amid Jake Paul fight talks

Dana White isn’t surprised that Turki Alalshikh secured Canelo Alvarez on a multi-fight deal, ultimately pulling him away from a potential showdown with Jake Paul. “Listen, they control the sport of boxing right now,” White said about Saudi Arabia’s growing influence. “I don’t think it’s hard for them to steal anybody from anybody.”

Paul, furious over the lost opportunity, accused Canelo of hypocrisy. “The truth is, you can be bought. You’re a money-hungry squirrel chasing your next nut,” Paul ranted. White, who works with Alalshikh through the UFC’s Saudi partnership, made it clear, “Totally different levels. Not even the same universe of levels.”

That said, Jake Paul will likely have to wait until Canelo Alvarez fulfills his commitments with Riyadh Season before even hoping for a fight. Realistically, a showdown between them seems more probable as an exhibition after Canelo officially retires from professional boxing. For now, Canelo has no shortage of legitimate contenders vying for a shot. When do you think Paul will finally get his chance against Canelo?