Canelo Responds to Paul’s “Slave” Jab

Canelo Alvarez fired back at Jake Paul on social media, reacting to being labeled an “owned slave” after he bailed from their mega-fight in May and signed a four-fight deal with Turki Al-Sheikh instead. Canelo said he only fights “real fighters” and dismissed Paul as a “YouTuber.”

“Real Fighters” Debate

Jake pointed out that Canelo’s fights “lose money” and that he needs him to be involved in the “biggest fight of 2025.” Turki admitted that he didn’t match the offer that Canelo would have gotten if he’d fought Jake Paul in May, with who he plans on matching him. Jermall Charlo and Bruno Surace are the two options for May 4th.

Canelo’s recent opponents

Edgar Berlanga
Jaime Munguia
Jermell Charlo
John Ryder

None of them are cutting-edge talent at 168. Canelo’s argument that he fights “real fighters” is not entirely valid. He’s been padding his record, taking easier opponents while avoiding David Benavidez and several other talented fighters at 168. He didn’t try to rematch Dmitry Bivol after losing to him.

Crawford: A Novelty Match?

Canelo’s fight against welterweight Terence Crawford at Turki’s event on September 13th isn’t seen as a real fight. It fits in the category of a novelty fight because Crawford is three divisions below Canelo in size, weak, old, and looked hellishly poor in his recent debut at 154 against Israil Madrimov.

He was out-punched in that fight, hit hard, and Madrimov landed the cleaner shots with more power. He didn’t get the win only because he was the B-side.

“Hey guys, don’t pay attention to this YouTuber. I just fight real fighters. Don’t [mess] around with Canelo,” said Canelo on Ring Magazine X, responding to Jake Paul’s early comment on social media, saying he ducked him, and is an “owned slave.”

“Canelo Alvarez ducked me, Jake Paul, and is now an owned slave,” said Jake Paul on X today. “You cannot have the biggest fight of 2025 without my name involved. When all of your events tank and lose money.”

‼️EXCLUSIVE TO THE RING: Canelo Álvarez sends a message to his fans and to Jake Paul. pic.twitter.com/YgYb3F1W5q

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) February 8, 2025