Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, has expressed a desire to replace Mike Tyson with boxing champion Canelo Alvarez for his next big fight. Paul, originally slated to face the legendary Tyson on November 15, is now reconsidering the match due to Tyson’s age and recent health issues.
The much-anticipated bout with Tyson was postponed from its initial July 20 date after the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion suffered an ulcer flare-up. Despite Tyson’s recovery and return to training, Paul is looking for a more contemporary and competitive opponent.
Paul’s business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, revealed the YouTuber’s new target: “Jake respects Mike Tyson immensely, but he feels that facing a current champion like Canelo Alvarez would be a more significant challenge and opportunity. Mike has had an incredible career, but Jake wants to test himself against the best in the current boxing landscape.”
Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Facing Alvarez would undoubtedly be a monumental task for Paul, who has been making waves in the boxing world but remains relatively inexperienced compared to Canelo’s extensive career.
Paul, who holds a 9-1 record with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury, is confident but realistic about the challenges ahead. “I have immense respect for Mike Tyson and everything he’s accomplished. But I want to face someone who is at the top of their game right now, and Canelo is that fighter. I want to prove myself against the best,” Paul stated.
Canelo, on the other hand, has not publicly responded to Paul’s challenge. Known for his disciplined training and formidable skills in the ring, Alvarez has a full schedule of his own and has typically focused on fighting other top-tier professional boxers.
The prospect of a Paul vs. Canelo match has sparked significant interest and debate among boxing fans and pundits. Some see it as an intriguing clash of styles and eras, while others question whether Paul is ready for such a high-caliber opponent.
Despite the uncertainty, Paul remains determined to continue his rise in the boxing world. He is set to face former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry on July 20, a fight that will serve as a crucial test before any potential showdown with Canelo.
Paul’s ambitions highlight his desire to be taken seriously in the sport, moving beyond his YouTube origins to establish himself as a legitimate contender. “I’m not here just for show. I’m here to fight the best and prove that I belong in the ring with top fighters,” Paul asserted.
As the boxing world awaits further developments, the potential matchup between Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez promises to be one of the most talked-about events in recent history, should it come to fruition.
