Canelo Alvarez has finally expressed an interest in a Jake Paul fight but only under one condition.
The boxing legend holds all the cards in any potential matchup against the social media star. At 34 years old, the Mexican is still one of the best fighters in the world and he believes that more work must be done in the ring before he is willing to entertain a fight against the controversial figure.
Despite years of declining interest, Canelo Alvarez looked destined to face Jake Paul after reports stated the pair had agreed to fight. That bout eventually fell through and Alvarez has now shared further information on the canceled affair.
“I think everybody wants to see me beat Jake Paul,” Alvarez said. “I thought about it for a minute, we agreed for the promoters to go and see what the numbers are for that fight in May.”
“I don’t call that a fight, I call it an event. That event needs to wait. It’s not the moment to do that kind of event at this moment in my career.”
“I think at the end of my career, when I’m retired, maybe. We’ll see.”
Alvarez later praised Paul for being dedicated to the craft, though he admits it’s difficult to rate the YouTuber’s ability.
“He’s focused. He’s focused on boxing. He’s disciplined. We need to credit him for that. Maybe he’s more disciplined than other fighters.”
“But, as a fighter, it’s very difficult to say. That’s why when you say ‘a fight with Jake Paul’ for me, it’s difficult to say a fight. It’s more an event than a fight.”
Related: Canelo Alvarez’s monster contract with Turki Alalshikh details leaked
Any potential fight between the two will have to wait as Canelo Alvarez nears his return to the ring.
On May 3, Alvarez will welcome William Scull into the ring to kickstart his four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh.
