Turki Al-Sheikh has unveiled a fresh four-fight deal for Canelo Alvarez that stretches into 2026, and one key matchup is no longer in the cards. The rumored Canelo vs. Jake Paul fight is officially off, as announced by Turki, something many fans saw as a mismatch, and instead, Canelo’s next fight is slated for May in Riyadh, which Turki describes as "the biggest fight in the history of boxing." No opponent has been named yet, and it’s likely not David Benavidez.
The new plan lays out a roadmap for Canelo’s future: the May fight in Riyadh, a September bout in Las Vegas featuring Terence Crawford, and two more fights in Riyadh set for February and October 2026. There’s buzz that one of these mystery matchups could be with David Benavidez, but to make that bout work, a catchweight with a 10-lb rehydration clause might be necessary to avoid past issues where Benavidez rehydrated to 196 pounds after his fight with David Morrell.
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Not everyone is excited about all the potential opponents. Many believe that Terence Crawford, who some critics view as a fighter chasing payday using the Mayweather blueprint, might not offer the compelling contest fans expect. There’s growing chatter that Artur Beterbiev would be a far more enticing option in September - provided he wins his rematch with Dmitry Bivol on February 22nd. The quality of these mystery fights remains uncertain, leaving us to wonder whether Canelo’s new deal will deliver the high-caliber matchups his legacy demands.
"Canelo in Riyadh in May, the big fight in the history of boxing. In September, then two more fights in 2026. Don’t mess with the lion," Turki Al-Sheikh declared on X.
What do you think of that plan?