Canelo Alvarez Fires Warning to YouTubers-Turned-Boxers Jake and Logan Paul as Mexican Says They ‘Could Get KILLED’ if They Continue in the Ring… and Criticises Brothers for Showing ‘a Lack of Respect’ to Real Fighters
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has issued a stern warning to YouTubers-turned-boxers Jake and Logan Paul, cautioning that their foray into professional boxing could lead to dangerous consequences. In a recent interview, the Mexican boxing superstar expressed his frustration with the Paul brothers, accusing them of disrespecting the sport and its dedicated athletes. Alvarez’s comments come amid ongoing verbal sparring, particularly with Jake Paul, who has repeatedly called out the champion for a potential mega-fight. The tension highlights a broader debate about the role of celebrity boxers in a sport rooted in discipline and tradition.
Alvarez, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of his generation, did not mince words when addressing the Paul brothers’ involvement in boxing. He emphasized the risks they face by stepping into the ring without the years of rigorous training that professional fighters undergo. “These guys could get killed,” Alvarez stated, pointing to the physical dangers of facing seasoned opponents. His warning stems from a belief that the Pauls, despite their growing ring experience, lack the technical foundation and resilience built through decades of dedication. Alvarez’s remarks reflect a protective stance toward a sport he has spent his life mastering, having risen from humble beginnings in Guadalajara to global stardom.
Jake Paul, in particular, has been a polarizing figure in boxing since his professional debut in 2020. With a record of 12-1, including a recent unanimous decision victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Jake has gained legitimacy in some circles. The fight set a record for the highest boxing gate in the venue’s history, surpassing events featuring Alvarez himself. Yet, despite this achievement, Alvarez remains unimpressed. He argues that Jake’s victories, often against non-boxers or past-their-prime fighters, do not equate to the caliber of competition faced by elite boxers like himself. “They’re not respecting the sport,” Alvarez said, criticizing the brothers for treating boxing as a spectacle rather than a craft.
Logan Paul, while less active in the ring than his younger brother, has also drawn Alvarez’s ire. Logan’s high-profile bouts, including an exhibition against Floyd Mayweather, have contributed to the brothers’ reputation for turning boxing into a media-driven event. Alvarez believes this approach undermines the sacrifices of “real fighters” who dedicate their lives to the sport without the safety net of fame or fortune. In 2020, Alvarez invited both brothers to spar with him to experience the true demands of boxing, an offer that went unanswered. The invitation underscored his belief that the Pauls lack the humility and respect required to be taken seriously in the boxing world.
The feud between Alvarez and Jake Paul has intensified in recent months. Jake has repeatedly targeted Alvarez, claiming a signed contract for a fight existed before Alvarez opted for a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, including a blockbuster clash against Terence Crawford scheduled for September 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. Jake accused Alvarez of “ducking” him, a claim Alvarez dismissed with a pointed retort: “He’s very lucky, he’s safe.” The Mexican star’s response suggests confidence that a fight with Jake would be a one-sided affair, potentially harmful to the YouTuber. Alvarez’s camp has also faced scrutiny, with Jake’s team taking shots at the champion over unproven allegations of performance-enhancing drug use, further fueling the rivalry.
The boxing community remains divided on the Paul brothers’ impact. Supporters, including figures like Tyson Fury’s family, credit them with bringing new audiences to the sport through their massive social media followings. Jake’s recent entry into the World Boxing Association’s cruiserweight rankings at 14th, following his win over Chavez Jr., has even positioned him as a potential title contender. Critics, however, echo Alvarez’s sentiments, arguing that the brothers’ involvement cheapens boxing’s legacy. Former champion Shawn Porter, for instance, predicted Jake would knock out Chavez Jr., citing the latter’s lackluster training, but Alvarez backed his compatriot, hoping for a redemption story that never materialized.
Alvarez’s warning carries weight given his own journey. Since turning professional at 15, he has faced the best in the sport, unifying titles across multiple weight classes. His upcoming fight against Crawford, a pound-for-pound great, underscores his commitment to facing top-tier competition. For Alvarez, the Paul brothers represent a distraction from the sport’s essence, and his call for respect reflects a desire to preserve boxing’s integrity. As Jake continues to chase a world title and a dream fight with Alvarez, the champion’s words serve as a sobering reminder of the risks and realities of the ring. Whether the Pauls heed his warning or continue their provocative ascent remains to be seen, but Alvarez’s message is clear: boxing is not a game.
