Canelo Alvarez, Jake Paul finalize May 3 fight in Las Vegas

Canelo Alvarez is reportedly finalizing a deal to fight Jake Paul on May 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a matchup that has sparked mixed reactions in the boxing community. This fight, contested at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, follows Alvarez's cancellation of a highly anticipated bout against Terence Crawford, which had been set for September. Promoters suggest that the Canelo-Paul fight could generate upwards of $200 million in revenue, capitalizing on Paul's previous success on Netflix with a fight against Mike Tyson. While Alvarez's move is seen as financially motivated, critics argue it detracts from the integrity of boxing, especially given Paul's lack of experience against top-tier opponents. Former champion Ishe Smith and promoter Eddie Hearn have voiced their concerns, with Hearn acknowledging the lucrative nature of the event could lead to significant earnings for both fighters. The boxing world waits to see if Alvarez's decision will pay off or tarnish his legacy.