Jake Paul labels Canelo Alvarez a 'slave' in shocking statement as row escalates after fight cancelled

Jake Paul has slammed Canelo Alvarez after their mouth-watering fight was cancelled.

Earlier in the month, it was mooted that American YouTuber turned boxer Paul would take on Alvarez in a blockbuster fight.

However, it was confirmed on Friday morning that the fight had been called off after Saudi Arabia boxing chief Turki Alalshikh swooped in to secure the Mexican superstar's services to a sensational deal.

Canelo has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, ruling out a novelty showdown against Paul that was expected to land on Netflix.

After the latest development, Paul's MVP has now released a statement.

It read: "MVP was deep in negotiations for a blockbuster fight between Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, a massive event for the Mexican, Puerto Rican and American fans, and it's disappointing to see how the situation unfolded.

"MVP operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for the sport, its athletes, and the fans. Unfortunately, not everyone in the boxing world shares those values."

The statement continued: "This situation is a reminder not to believe everything you read, especially when the current media environment is often controlled by those with hidden agendas, including promoters who have reporters on their payroll. We remain in active discussions with multiple high-profile opponents and are committed to delivering the biggest fights, the most exciting events, and to working with partners who share our values and our commitment to boxing and its fighters.

"Jake Paul isn't going anywhere, and neither is MVP. We'll continue to disrupt boxing, on our terms."

Meanwhile, Paul pulled no punches as he slammed Alvarez on his own social media account.

The 28-year-old wrote: "Breaking news: Canelo Alvarez ducked me Jake Paul and is now an owned slave with no regard for the pride of the Mexican people who support him on US soil. It’s not surprising when his whole career he has done nothing for the sport of boxing outside the ring.

"I’m the new face of boxing. You cannot have the biggest fight of 2025 without my name involved. When all of your events tank and lose money you will all realize who the king of the sport is.

"28 years old. Biggest fight in boxing history. My own boss. Not owned. 5 years in. All of you felines want to see me fail, but god has other plans. It’s the era of good. The era of the elephant. It’s the era of MVP."