“You can’t buy me with money!” – Star boxer Canelo Álvarez vehemently rejects Elon Musk’s $10 million offer, sparking shock and an unexpected response.

In a stunning display of principle over profit, boxing superstar Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment worlds by rejecting a staggering $10 million offer from billionaire Elon Musk. The dramatic confrontation unfolded on April 17, 2025, during a fiery exchange at a charity gala in Los Angeles, where Canelo’s bold stance not only caught the media off guard but also prompted a surprising reaction from Musk himself. The incident has ignited debates about integrity, wealth, and influence, leaving fans and experts in awe of Canelo’s unwavering resolve. Here’s the full story of this astonishing showdown.

The gala that became a battlefield

The drama erupted at the annual “Fight for a Cause” charity gala, an event attended by A-list celebrities, athletes, and business moguls to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Canelo, fresh off a dominant unanimous decision victory over David Benavidez in March 2025, was an honored guest, celebrated for his $2 million donation to the cause. Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO known for his polarizing antics, was also in attendance, reportedly looking to make a splash in the world of combat sports after his recent investments in MMA promotions.

During a private conversation that quickly became public, Musk approached Canelo with a bold proposal: a $10 million payment for the boxer to join a new venture—a celebrity boxing league Musk is reportedly launching to rival the UFC. “I want Canelo as the face of my new league, it will be bigger than anything boxing has ever seen,” Musk reportedly boasted, according to witnesses. The offer included a one-fight deal against a mystery opponent, with Musk promising “global exposure” and a share of the league’s profits.

Canelo’s fiery rejection

Canelo, known for his fiery temper as much as his ring prowess, didn’t hesitate to seal the deal. “You can’t buy me with money!” he shouted, his voice echoing around the gala hall as stunned attendees turned to stare. “I’m a fighter, not your puppet. I fight for my legacy, not your games!” The 34-year-old Mexican icon, whose record is 61-2-2 (39 KOs), criticized Musk’s approach, accusing him of trying to “buy respect” rather than earn it. “You think $10 million can control me? I’ve earned more than that with my fists, keep your money,” Canelo added, storming off as the crowd erupted in gasps and whispers.

The moment was captured on video by a gala attendee and quickly went viral, racking up over 20 million views over X in a matter of hours. Fans flooded social media with praise for Canelo’s stand, with one user posting: “Canelo just showed the world what true integrity looks like, respect!” Another wrote: “Musk thought he could buy a legend, not a mistake!” The hashtag #Canelovsmusk began trending, as the boxing star’s challenge struck a chord with those tired of billionaires flexing their clout.

Musk’s unexpected reaction

Musk, known for his unpredictable responses, didn’t take Canelo’s pushback lightly, but his reaction surprised everyone. Instead of lashing out, the billionaire took to X to issue a public apology, a rare move for the often unapologetic mogul. “I underestimated Canelo’s principles, my bad,” Musk tweeted on April 18, 2025. “I respect his stance, and I will be donating $10 million to his charity of choice as a gesture of goodwill. Let’s talk again, Champ, Champion, no strings attached.” The tweet, which garnered millions of likes, was accompanied by a photo of Musk holding a boxing glove, hinting at a possible reconciliation.

However, Musk couldn’t resist a parting photo, adding, “But if Canelo ever changes his mind my league is still waiting, doubt your price.” The mixed message left fans speculating about Musk’s true intentions, with some praising his humility and others calling it a calculated face-saving PR move. “Musk knows he messed up, he’s trying to buy his way out of this too,” one user X commented, reflecting the skepticism surrounding his apology.

The world of boxing weighs in

Canelo’s rejection of Musk’s offer has drawn widespread admiration from the boxing community. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who works closely with Canelo, told ESPN , “Saul isn’t just a champion in the ring, he’s a champion of values. He doesn’t bow down to anyone, not even a billionaire.” Former rival Gennady Golovkin echoed the sentiment, saying, “Canelo showed why he’s a role model: Money can’t buy your soul.”

Analysts are also abuzz with the implications for Musk’s rumored boxing league. “Musk wanted a big name to legitimize his venture, but Canelo’s rejection could scare off other stars,” said The Ring magazine’s Tom Gray. “It’s a blow to his plans, no doubt.” Meanwhile, some fans are speculating about who Musk’s mystery opponent for Canelo could have been, with names like Jake Paul and even Musk thrown into the mix as potential foes.

What’s next for Canelo and Musk?

Canelo has remained silent since the gala, focusing on his training camp for a September 2025 rematch with Dmitry Bivol. Sources close to the boxer say he was “really insulted” by Musk’s offer, but appreciated the billionaire’s pledge of donation, which Canelo has directed to a Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Mexico. “Saul doesn’t hold a grudge, but he also won’t forget this,” a source told Boxing Scene .

Meanwhile, Musk is moving forward with his Celebrity Boxing League plans, unfazed by Canelo’s rejection. Insiders claim he’s now turning to other combat sports stars, including UFC’s Conor McGregor and retired boxer Floyd Mayweather, to head up his venture. It remains to be seen whether Musk’s apology will mend fences with Canelo, but the billionaire’s newfound interest in boxing has certainly made him a polarizing figure in the sport.

A moment that resonates

Canelo’s stance against Musk has transcended boxing, sparking broader conversations about the role of money in sports and entertainment. In an era where athletes are often criticized for chasing paydays out of principle, Canelo’s challenge has positioned him as a symbol of integrity. “He’s showing the next generation that some things are worth more than a paycheck,” analyst Max Kellerman said on his podcast.

As of April 18, 2025, the saga is far from over, and fans are anxiously watching to see if Musk’s donation and apology will lead to a Détente, or if Canelo’s rejection marks the beginning of a new feud. One thing is clear: when Canelo Álvarez says he can’t be bought, the world listens, and even a billionaire like Elon Musk has to take notice.

Canelo Álvarez’s fiery rejection of Elon Musk’s $10 million offer at a charity gala has electrified the sports world, showcasing the boxer’s unwavering principles and leaving Musk scrambling to save face. The unexpected twist of Musk’s apology and donation has only deepened the intrigue, making this one of the most talked-about moments of 2025. Whether this marks the end of their clash or the beginning of something bigger, Canelo’s stand has solidified his legacy as a fighter who can’t be bought, at any price. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this blockbuster drama.