“We are considering September, but nothing is confirmed,” Canelo’s potential opponent Christian Mbilli’s manager, Camille Estephan, told FightsATW, highlighting the many variables outside Alvarez’s control.

Canelo, who lost all his super middleweight titles to Crawford in a unanimous decision, may face Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. But the conflict in the Middle East and his recovery timeline leave the fight uncertain, especially as Crawford’s unexpected retirement forced Canelo into a difficult career decision.

September bout plans remain in flux

The Mexican star has targeted the super middleweight division (168 lb), where he has performed best, for his comeback. While Mbilli holds the WBC title, fans and media have speculated about potential matchups with Dmitry Bivol or David Benavidez. Each option carries significant risk, making Canelo’s decision even more delicate.

Recovery and timing key to return

Canelo’s elbow surgery and rehabilitation will be pivotal in determining whether he can safely return to competition. Promoters and the fighter’s camp must balance fan demand with ensuring Canelo is fully ready, both physically and logistically, for a high-stakes September bout.

After such a serious injury, many speculated that Jake Paul’s boxing career might be over. However, the influencer-turned-fighter is determined to continue, even if his future path leads him away from a traditional boxing ring.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Paul revealed that he expects to return to action by November or December 2026. While he plans to stay in boxing, he is also “serious” about potentially facing the Ukrainian heavyweight legend in a mixed martial arts contest.

“It’s definitely serious, but we’ll see what happens,” Jake Paul said about an MMA bout against Oleksandry Usyk. “I need to start training first. There’s too many things to do in life.”

A Tommy Fury rematch is currently off the table

Following his sixth-round defeat to Joshua, rumors suggested Paul might seek a rematch with the only other man to beat him, Tommy Fury. However, Paul has since rejected that idea, calling the Fury family “difficult to work with.”

“We’ve tried so many times with the Furys and they are just pretty daft,” he added. “I don’t need to grant someone life, no one’s heard of Tommy Fury. I’m not trying to negotiate any more with him. That’s where things stand there.”

Instead, Paul is looking for more “suitable” rivals as he reflects on the gap in skill exposed by Joshua. Reports suggest that even a rematch against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is being considered as a more realistic option for his return.

Has Jake Paul ever fought in mixed martial arts?

No, Jake Paul has never competed in a professional MMA fight, despite signing a multi-year deal with the PFL in early 2023. While he has a background in wrestling and has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has yet to step inside the cage.

Transitioning to MMA at this stage, especially after a major jaw surgery, remains a risky move. If Paul’s ultimate goal is to be taken seriously as a professional boxer, many analysts believe a move to the PFL could distract from his development in the “sweet science.”

Last year, Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision. They were scheduled for a rematch in September, yet the American unexpectedly announced his retirement, leaving Saul without an opponent.

With Crawford out of the picture, Canelo must now find a new challenger. Three options are on the table, each representing a completely different type of challenge.

Canelo Alvarez linked to three potential rivals for September bout

With Terence Crawford hanging up the gloves, Canelo Alvarez’s team has been searching for a suitable rival for the Mexican star. Three names are under consideration, and each offers a distinct test.

The first option is David Benavidez. He has repeatedly called out Alvarez for a bout, though the Mexican has not yet shown significant interest in facing him.

The second option is Christian Mbilli, who was upgraded to full WBC champion after retaining his title following a draw against Lester Martinez in their high-stakes 2025 clash.

The final option is Lester Martinez himself. Many believe Martinez’s performance in the draw against Mbilli proved he is a rightful contender, and the Guatemalan fighter has expressed his readiness to challenge the Mexican star at any time.

Oleksandr Usyk is regarded as one of the most complete boxers in the heavyweight division. This reputation has led many to believe he could also shine in mixed martial arts, fueling speculation about a crossover fight in the near future.

Reports suggest that a match against UFC great Jon Jones could be an option if Usyk ever decides to try MMA. While Jake Paul has also been linked to a crossover fight against Usyk, the Ukrainian’s team has largely dismissed that scenario for the time being.

“A fight with Jake Paul in MMA at this stage is not being considered,” Team Usyk’s Sergey Lapin told Casinostugan (via The Mirror). “But we are always open to creative and interesting collaborations in the future. If we are talking about crossover fights, a very interesting matchup could be against Jon Jones in the United States. The best heavyweight in MMA against one of the best boxers of his generation could become a very big event if organized properly. Who is the baddest man on the planet?”

Jake Paul needs a recovery fight

Last December, Jake Paul faced Anthony Joshua in his toughest challenge to date. The influencer stepped into the ring against a former world champion who was clearly the superior boxer.

In the sixth round, Anthony Joshua knocked Jake Paul out to secure the win. The British star landed a punch that caused a double fracture in Paul’s jaw, raising questions about the YouTuber’s capacity to compete at the heavyweight level.

Jake Paul has indicated that he wants to fight again; however, he likely needs a “recovery” bout to rebuild his confidence. This would involve facing another influencer or a boxer who is not at the same elite level as Joshua.

Reports suggest that while Paul wants a rematch against Joshua, his next fight will likely not be that one. A second bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. or Tommy Fury is reportedly on the table, as he needs a win to continue building his name in the boxing industry.

On December 19, Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul via a dominant knockout victory in which the Briton fractured the influencer’s jaw. Ten days later, he was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami.

Now, Joshua has returned and is ready for his next test. Many are wondering who his next rival will be, with a rematch against Jake Paul on the table due to the YouTuber’s thirst for revenge.

Is Anthony Joshua going to fight Jake Paul again?

Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua have been training together ahead of their respective returns to the ring. The Ukrainian is set to make his WBC heavyweight title defense against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23, 2026, in Egypt.

On the other hand, Anthony Joshua—who was trained by Usyk for the Jake Paul bout—is scheduled to fight again in July. However, reports suggest that a rematch against the influencer is not his priority right now.

When Joshua defeated Paul, it was clear that the influencer was not at the same level as the Briton, whose punches heavily injured Paul by causing a double fracture to his jaw to end the fight.

Tyson Fury remains an option for Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury, another heavyweight star, has been strongly linked to a potential bout against Anthony Joshua. The ‘Gypsy King’ is set to return from retirement to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11, 2026, and Joshua could be his next challenge.

Fury recently stated that he wants to face Joshua, but he must first defeat Makhmudov. If he is successful, the British star would be the clear choice for his next test.

While Sulaiman has previously defended Paul’s dedication to the sport, his stance has shifted following recent events. He noted that the lack of professional fundamentals among influencers makes them highly vulnerable to serious injury, especially when facing seasoned or much larger opponents.

The WBC president stressed that although these matches attract massive audiences and new fans, safety must remain the priority. He urged influencers who truly love the sport to transition into roles as promoters or supporters rather than continuing to risk their lives inside the ring.

“Very dangerous, because boxing is not a game. You cannot play boxing; it is a high-risk contact sport that depends on excellent physical preparation and the conditions of the individuals,” Sulaiman stated.

The risks of influencer bouts

The president’s comments follow the controversial “Ring Royale 2026,” which drew criticism from boxing legends like Juan Manuel Marquez. Sulaiman backed these concerns, stating that the novelty of celebrity fights is reaching a dangerous breaking point that requires stricter medical regulations and professional supervision.

While figures like Jake Paul have provided significant exposure to the sport, Sulaiman believes the focus needs to return to the integrity of professional rankings. He warned that without proper regulation, the current trend of “super-fights” between influencers and veterans could eventually lead to a tragedy in the ring.

“They are ruining boxing—the YouTubers, the influencers,” Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez said. “It just shouldn’t be possible. I respect them, right? But I don’t like that kind of thing because they don’t have a process. What do I mean by that? There is no amateur process. These YouTubers don’t train. Some of them don’t even run, exercise, or go to the gym.”

What is next for Jake Paul?

Jake Paul is currently at a crossroads in his career after his high-profile bout against Anthony Joshua in late 2025. Despite being ranked in the cruiserweight division, the WBC has made it clear that Paul must defeat a top-15 ranked contender to be considered for a world title shot.

During his bout against Joshua, Jake Paul suffered a double fractured jaw, raising concerns about whether influencers should box. However, the YouTuber is determined to continue his career in the sport despite this massive setback.

Fury briefly retired in 2025 but has since returned to the sport, keeping the possibility of a third fight alive. Usyk emphasized the trilogy as “the last dance,” showing that settling the rivalry with Fury is the ultimate goal before he retires.

Before thinking about a third meeting with Fury, Usyk has another fight on his schedule. He will defend his WBC heavyweight belt against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in Egypt this May, keeping his focus on preparation and readiness.

“In my head, Tyson Fury, it’s the last dance,” Usyk told the Associated Press, reiterating that his priority is to finish his career against Fury if circumstances allow.

Logistics remain uncertain

The first two fights took place in Riyadh, but geopolitical tensions leave the location for a potential trilogy undecided. Usyk stressed that organizers will choose the venue, while his main concern is being fully prepared for the fight.

Following the media success Jake Paul has achieved in boxing, his older brother Logan wants to follow a similar path. Now, he has reportedly selected his next rival: former Pittsburgh Steelers star Le’Veon Bell.

Shortly after announcing a $1 million challenge to any NFL player who could beat him in a boxing match, Logan Paul was approached by Le’Veon Bell, who quickly accepted the challenge. However, the rule set for the fight has shocked many fans.

Logan Paul vs. Le’Veon Bell: Is the fight happening?

On X, Le’Veon Bell and Logan Paul went back and forth with direct warnings toward each other about a potential boxing match. At the end of the exchange, the influencer received the controversial rules the former running back wants for their bout.

Bell indicated that he is willing to match Paul’s bet and create a $2 million purse for the winner. However, the former NFL star stated that he wants the fight to continue until someone quits, meaning there would be no exact round limit.

Paul immediately responded and accepted the terms, adding that the bout would use 10-pound gloves, no headgear, and three-minute rounds until someone cannot continue. The influencer also revealed that he would be willing to face Bell as soon as next weekend.

Tom Brady weighs in on Logan Paul vs. Le’Veon Bell

The situation surrounding Paul wanting to fight an NFL player may have started with Tom Brady. A few weeks ago, Brady told the YouTuber that their upcoming flag football match would prove Logan is not at the same level as NFL players.

“Is this my fault?” Brady replied to an X post by Bleacher Report announcing the potential bout between Paul and Bell. “Yes, but you about to make me $2M,” the influencer responded, suggesting he expects to defeat the former running back in the contest.

After watching the viral success his brother Jake Paul has enjoyed with multiple boxing events, Logan Paul now appears eager to replicate that momentum. The influencer recently threw down a public challenge to NFL players, claiming he would have no problem defeating any of them in the ring—and promising a $1 million reward to anyone who beats him.

At first, Logan Paul directed the challenge at Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. But the callout quickly caught the attention of another NFL player, as a key member of the Buffalo Bills stepped forward to accept the potential fight.

Bills OL Dion Dawkins accepts Logan Paul’s challenge for a boxing match

Logan Paul may have just created a problem for himself. After boldly claiming he could defeat any NFL player in a boxing match, one of the league’s biggest and strongest athletes wasted no time responding.

Dion Dawkins, the Buffalo Bills offensive lineman and teammate of quarterback Josh Allen, publicly accepted the challenge. Responding on X, Dawkins wrote, “Sure, sure… why not poke the bear,” alongside videos of himself training in boxing and an edited image showing him knocking out Logan Paul.

The $1 million incentive clearly caught Dawkins’ attention, but the potential matchup would feature a significant size difference. The Bills lineman stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs around 320 pounds, while Logan Paul is about 6-foot-2 and typically weighs close to 200 pounds.

If the fight were to materialize, the clash between a professional NFL lineman and a seasoned influencer-boxer could quickly become one of the most talked-about crossover events in sports and entertainment.

Their first bout in May 2015 ended with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision, improving his record to 48-0 at the time. He later retired at 50-0, while Pacquiao continued his career and now stands at 62-8-3. For Pacquiao, this second fight is a chance to change the story.

Speaking on SportsCenter, Pacquiao revealed that Mayweather initially wanted the rematch to be an exhibition. “He decided to do it again, so I’m hoping for, this time around, no more excuses,“ Pacquiao said. “Although before, he wanted an exhibition with me. But I disagree. I don’t want to fight an exhibition with him. I want to fight a real fight like this.”

Did Mayweather push for an exhibition instead of a real fight?

Since retiring, Mayweather has taken part in several exhibition bouts. That history made Pacquiao firm in his stance, if they were going to fight again, it had to count on their professional records. For him, anything less would not settle what happened in 2015.

Pacquiao made his goal clear. “I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him,” he said, dedicating the fight to the Philippines and boxing fans worldwide.

What does this rematch mean for both legacies?

At 47 and 48 years old, both fighters return with different motivations. Mayweather is defending a perfect record. Pacquiao is chasing redemption and the 63rd win of his career.

As September 19 approaches, the focus will shift from words to preparation. Whether the outcome changes history or confirms it, this rematch once again puts two boxing legends at the center of the sport.

Garcia earned over $30 million in his fight against Gervonta Davis, but while he still earned a significant eight-figure payday against Barrios, it wasn’t close to what he earned against Davis.

Multiple reports, including specialized outlet The Sportster state that Garcia actually earned around $10 million between the base, the guarantees, and a slice of the event’s pay per view revenue. However, the WBC will get $5,000 from Garcia as a fine for missing a mandatory weight check deadline.

Garcia is back atop the boxing world

Garcia was once 23-0 and regarded as one of the best boxers in the whole wide world. Then, he lost to Davis due to a liver hook and he came crashing down. He bounced back by knocking out lesser boxer Oscar Duarte, and then he went spiraling down in the buildup against Devin Haney. He originally beat Haney by a majority decision, but he tested positive in a drug test, so it was overturned.

Garcia then took a year off to get help with mental health struggles and substance abuse. After that, he came back to face a tough boxer in Rolando ‘Rolly‘ Romero. In what can only be described as an upset, Romero danced around Garcia and won a unanimous decision over King Ryan. With this win, Garcia is now back to being a world champion.

How much did Barrios earn?

Barrios’ biggest reported payday came in 2021 when he faced legendary Manny Pacquiao and earned around $2.5 million. Barrios has also fought Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman, though he is usually de B-side, despite coming in as champion sometimes.

Per portal The Sportster, Barrios’ purse is projected around the $5 million and $8 million mark. Barrios is a very solid name in the boxing world, but he is not a household quantity. Hence, his paydays are not as big as others.