By Author Rooks, Boxing Contributor

Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s pound-for-pound superstar, has reportedly decided to shelve a high-stakes bout with Terence Crawford to face social media sensation Jake Paul in a cruiserweight showdown. Scheduled for May 3rd in Las Vegas, the 200-pound contest is set to stream on Netflix, promising to draw massive global viewership.

While Alvarez has traditionally reserved Cinco de Mayo weekend for marquee fights, this surprising pivot has drawn criticism, given the signed term sheets for a September clash with Crawford at 168 pounds. Crawford, a two-time undisputed world champion, was banking on the bout to solidify his legacy. Instead, Alvarez’s shift to a novelty match jeopardizes the planned Riyadh Season event, casting doubt on one of boxing’s most anticipated showdowns.

The novelty of Alvarez-Paul, however, cannot be understated. Jake Paul, coming off a decision victory over Mike Tyson in November, continues to defy skeptics with his popularity, drawing a record-breaking 64 million Netflix streams. Yet, critics argue that Alvarez’s decision undermines boxing’s competitive spirit, especially when Crawford, holding the WBA junior middleweight title, remains available for a legacy-defining bout.

Sources close to Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh confirm a suspension of Alvarez-Crawford negotiations, with Crawford now eyeing other high-profile opponents like Jaron “Boots” Ennis. Fans and analysts alike question whether Alvarez’s decision to chase spectacle over substance marks a troubling trend for the sport’s biggest stars.