Canelo Alvarez Blasts Jake Paul for Not Being a Real Fighter and Picks Ryan Garcia for Superstardom

Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez criticizes Jake Paul's recent loss and believes former teammate Ryan Garcia is destined for greatness.

Canelo Alvarez Blasts Jake Paul for Not Being a Real Fighter and Picks Ryan Garcia for Superstardom

Canelo Alvarez backs Ryan Garcia over Jake Paul (via Instagram, Yahoo Sports)

Canelo Alvarez‘s career has been defined by greatness, championship success, and victories over elite fighters across multiple divisions. The Mexican superstar has faced some of boxing’s biggest names while building a legendary legacy. One rivalry has been with influencer boxer Jake Paul, who has repeatedly challenged Alvarez. The former champion has now questioned Paul’s credibility as a fighter.

Paul remains one of the most controversial and polarizing personalities in combat sports. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has attracted major attention throughout his boxing career. Paul last competed in December 2025 against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. He suffered a sixth-round knockout loss, which left him with a double broken jaw.

The defeat marked the second loss of Paul’s career and his first stoppage loss. Many in combat sports criticized his competition level following the setback. A potential bout between Paul and Alvarez was discussed but never materialized. The Mexican boxing veteran recently questioned Paul’s credibility as a fighter.

No, [a Paul fight doesn’t make sense] anymore. I think he needs to think about fighting again. But it’s his life, it’s not my life, right? Yes [it was a mistake fighting Joshua], you can tell. It’s just facts. It’s not an opinion, nothing, it’s already happened. It was a mistake thinking you’re really a fighter. He can fight, he can make money — he’s a showman. He did really well, but to be a real fighter is different.

Canelo Alvarez via The Ariel Helwani Show

A fight between Alvarez and ‘The Problem Child’ had been discussed for several years. The potential matchup also attracted attention from the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority through Turki Alalshikh‘s involvement. Alalshikh later signed Alvarez to a four-fight deal, leaving the Paul superfight uncertain.

Alvarez has also shown more support for WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia compared to Paul. Garcia previously trained at the Canelo Team gym under Alvarez’s guidance, developing a relationship with the Mexican superstar. The two worked together before Garcia continued his career with different training teams.

I think Ryan [Garcia] has the possibility to be [the next Mexican-American star]. He has a lot of charisma. A lot of talent… [For] Mexico, we’ll see.

Canelo Alvarez via The Ariel Helwani Show

Alvarez recently weighed in on Garcia’s upcoming title defense against Conor Benn, scheduled for September 12. The Mexican superstar gave credit to both fighters and highlighted their abilities ahead of the matchup. Alvarez described Benn as a talented and brave fighter while praising Garcia as a great boxer.

Canelo Alvarez is now preparing to face Christian Mbilli as he enters the later stages of his legendary career. The Mexican star’s dislike for Jake Paul remains no secret after their long-running rivalry. It remains to be seen if Alvarez and Paul will ever meet inside the squared circle in the future.

RELATED
“Can fight and beat anyone,” After settling long-standing feud, Canelo Alvarez makes BOLD prediction about Ryan Garcia in light of Devin Haney upset

Canelo Alvarez opens up on costly rematch mistake after recent upset

Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford entered their long-awaited superfight with boxing history at stake. Alvarez was ready to defend the undisputed super middleweight title against the unbeaten four-division champion. The matchup was considered one of boxing’s biggest modern events.

The fight was competitive early before Crawford gradually took control with his movement and counterpunching. Alvarez struggled to match Crawford’s pace after the middle rounds. ‘Bud’ earned a unanimous decision to win another title in his career.

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford (via Variety)

Following his victory, Crawford stunned the boxing world by announcing his retirement from professional boxing. The undefeated champion revealed he had planned to retire regardless of the result. The Nebraska native said he wanted to leave the sport on his own terms after achieving everything he set out to accomplish.

Ever since losing to Crawford, Alvarez had pushed for an immediate rematch to avenge the defeat. The Mexican superstar believed a second fight was likely because of the matchup’s massive appeal. However, Crawford’s retirement ended those plans. Alvarez recently admitted his biggest regret was not securing a rematch clause in their original contract.

It was some mistake on my side to not sign a rematch [clause]… I’m surprised. As a fighter, you want a rematch to show it again, and I’ve always done well in my rematches, so it surprised me a lot. It’s his life, his career, and I can do nothing with that. I got the feeling that he’s going to come and fight again, but you need to respect that. If he’s out, he’s out, right? But I hope not.

Canelo Alvarez via The Ariel Helwani Show

Crawford’s retirement has continued generating headlines after his decision to walk away from boxing. The undefeated star also found himself in a dispute with the WBC after being stripped of his super middleweight title over unpaid sanctioning fees. Meanwhile, Alvarez is preparing for his next challenge as speculation over a rematch remains firmly in the past.

Also Read: