Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh aims brutal five-word taunt at Jake Paul after Canelo Alvarez 'cancelled'

Turki Alalshikh delivered a brutal five-word dig at Jake Paul after signing Canelo Alvarez to a blockbuster fight deal.

Canelo had been in talks with Paul over a May fight until Alalshikh secured the Mexican's services to a stunning contract.

The 34-year-old, who holds three of the four major world titles at super-middleweight, has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, with his Saudi Arabia debut slated for May before facing Terence Crawford in September.

Several opponents have been touted, including Dmitry Bivol, who beat Canelo in their light-heavyweight bout in May 2022.

Unbeaten British star Hamzah Sheeraz, who faces Carlos Adames for the middleweight world title later this month, has also been named as a potential opponent for Canelo.

But a fight against Paul is off the table.

After tying him down to a four-fight deal, Alalshikh aimed a brutal swipe at Paul, saying: "Canelo only fights real fighters."

In a post on X, the Saudi boxing chief added: "Don’t mess with the lion ... 4 fights for Canelo with Riyadh Season … The Deal is done … A Lion doesn’t lose sleep over opinion of a sheep… Fear the lion not the jungle."

To which Canelo replied: "Let’s go brother."

Canelo Alvarez has signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Image: Getty

Paul, meanwhile, is looking for his next fight assignment, having welcomed Mike Tyson back to the sport in his last outing.

He outpointed the former world heavyweight champion in a bout that was aired on Netflix.

His proposed fight against Canelo was also due to air on Netflix.

But Team Paul will have to find another opponent after Alalshikh acquired Canelo to an exclusive fight deal.

Canelo has won five fights on the bounce since his unsuccessful attempt at light-heavyweight.

He's beaten Gennady Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga.

As for Paul, he fought three times last year, beating Ryan Bourland, Mike Perry and Tyson.