“Canelo, I have the $200 million for you, easy money. Jake vs Canelo, let’s get it done,” Paul said during a recent livestream. “This is the biggest fight in boxing.” He also suggested the Mexican star is open to the idea after previous discussions.

The comments have sparked debate because Paul is still rebuilding his boxing career after a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua earlier this year. Many also question whether a sanctioning body would approve such a fight due to the large gap in experience between the two fighters.

WBC president reacts to growing fight rumors

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman responded to the speculation, saying the organization has not received any official request for sanctioning. Still, he acknowledged Paul’s recent step-up in competition has changed how some view him.

“We have not received a request for sanctioning,” Sulaiman said via SPORTbible. “Jake Paul proved himself by fighting Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua.” He added that Paul has earned some respect by facing tougher opponents, but did not confirm whether a Canelo fight would be approved.

Canelo remains the major target

A fight with Canelo would be the biggest test of Paul’s career. He is a four-division world champion and one of boxing’s top names, with a long record of elite wins and championship success.

Paul, meanwhile, continues to try to establish himself at the highest level after recent setbacks, including a serious injury and recovery period following his loss to Joshua.

Despite that, his name still draws major attention for potential crossover fights. For now, the matchup remains only speculation, but the WBC president’s response has kept the conversation alive.

According to boxing insider Mike Coppinger, Usyk’s team has little interest in revisiting the rivalry after the Ukrainian star already defeated Dubois twice in previous meetings. “I spoke to Usyk’s advisor, Sergey Lapin. You don’t have to worry about a Dubois fight. There’s not any interest there – for good reason,” Coppinger said during an appearance on Inside The Ring.

The comments come as Usyk prepares to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Dutch kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza.

Usyk focused on new challenges instead of trilogy bout

Usyk has already built one of the most accomplished résumés in modern boxing, becoming a multi-time undisputed champion while defeating elite names such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Dubois multiple times.

Because of that success, reports suggest the 39-year-old is more interested in pursuing fresh challenges rather than revisiting opponents he has already beaten convincingly.

If Usyk successfully defends his titles against Verhoeven as expected, he could next be ordered to face WBC interim heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel later this year.

Dubois still remains major heavyweight contender

Although Usyk reportedly has no interest in another fight, Dubois remains firmly in the heavyweight title picture after continuing his recent rise. The British fighter recently captured attention by stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round to become a two-time world champion, strengthening his standing among the division’s top contenders.

Still, with Usyk’s camp seemingly focused elsewhere, a trilogy fight currently appears unlikely despite the commercial interest such a matchup could generate within the heavyweight division.

During a recent livestream, Paul claimed he has already discussed the potential matchup directly with Canelo and insisted the financial terms are ready to move forward. “Canelo wants 200 million. I have the 200 million dollars for you, easy money. Jake Paul vs Canelo, let’s get it done. This is what the fans have been waiting for. This is the biggest fight that can possibly be made in boxing,” Paul said.

The comments arrive after former UFC veteran Matt Brown questioned Paul’s career‑threatening injury claim, as Canelo prepares for his return to the ring after nearly a year away from competition following elbow surgery and his upset loss to Terence Crawford in their undisputed super‑middleweight title fight last September.

Paul continues pushing for blockbuster Canelo fight

Paul also stated during the stream that Canelo had shown interest in the fight during private conversations, increasing speculation surrounding a possible crossover mega-event.

“Canelo says he’s down on the phone, so we’re going to make it happen. I have the 200 million and I think that’s going to be the next fight. Sign the contract Canelo. Much respect to you, let’s make the biggest fight in boxing happen,” Paul added.

The potential matchup would likely become one of the most commercially successful events in combat sports given both fighters’ massive global audiences and social media influence.

Canelo remains focused on return against Mbilli

Despite Paul’s public push for the fight, Canelo is currently preparing for his scheduled return against WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this September.

Canelo has not competed since suffering the surprising loss to Crawford and subsequently undergoing elbow surgery during his recovery period. Meanwhile, Paul’s own future in boxing recently appeared uncertain after his stoppage loss to Anthony Joshua in December.

Jake Paul star previously suggested he might not return to the ring, though his latest comments indicate he remains interested in pursuing another high-profile showdown.

“Never fight again bc of broken jaw? How does that work? Jaws heal well. I’ve had mine broken twice and didn’t even get it wired,” Brown wrote on social media while responding to Paul’s comments.

Paul recently revealed that doctors have advised caution about a potential return to fighting, suggesting that the injury could possibly end his boxing career. Brown, however, strongly disagreed with that assessment based on his own experience in combat sports.

The injury occurred during the sixth round of Paul’s loss to Joshua, when the British heavyweight landed a decisive right hand that dropped Paul for the first knockout defeat of his professional career.

Brown rejects concerns over Paul’s broken jaw

Brown questioned the seriousness of Paul’s concerns, explaining that broken jaws are relatively common injuries in combat sports and are typically recoverable for professional fighters.

The longtime UFC welterweight competed for nearly two decades and built a reputation as one of the sport’s most aggressive knockout artists. Brown finished his MMA career with 13 UFC knockouts, one of the highest totals in promotional history.

Paul still awaiting full medical clearance

Despite Brown’s criticism, Paul stated during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show that he still has not been medically cleared to spar or absorb contact nearly five months after the loss.

According to Paul, his doctor remains concerned about the way the jaw healed and has advised against returning to the ring until the recovery process is fully complete.

The situation has created uncertainty surrounding Paul’s boxing future following what was expected to be the biggest test of his career against Joshua. While questions remain about whether the injury could truly end his fighting career, the debate has already sparked strong reactions throughout the combat sports world.

The social media star turned boxer recently shared that he is still waiting for medical clearance after suffering a broken jaw in two places during the heavyweight fight against Joshua. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Paul admitted there is a real possibility he may never return to the ring. “I think I’ll be able to get a more accurate timeframe, or can I even fight again? That is definitely in the realm of possibility,” Paul said.

The loss marked the biggest challenge of Paul’s boxing career. After competing mostly at cruiserweight since turning professional in 2020, he moved up in weight to face Joshua, a former two‑time unified heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist who had recently returned to training.

Paul still waiting for medical clearance

Following the sixth-round knockout loss, Paul underwent surgery after breaking his jaw in two places. Doctors inserted two titanium plates, and he also needed to have teeth removed as part of the recovery process.

Paul has not fought since the bout and says he still has not been allowed to spar again. While he continues training lightly and staying active in the gym, his return timeline remains uncertain.

“It does feel a lot better as weeks go by, but I definitely need to get cleared to be able to spar,” Paul explained. The 28-year-old added that upcoming scans will help doctors better evaluate how the bone is healing before any decisions are made about a potential comeback.

Joshua fight changed Paul’s career outlook

The fight against Joshua represented a major step up in competition for Paul, who had built his boxing profile against former MMA fighters, influencers, and lower-level professional opponents before facing an elite heavyweight.

Now, the injuries suffered in that fight could have long-term consequences for his future in combat sports. “Most definitely,” Paul said when asked if his boxing future was in doubt. “I think it just depends on how the bone heals.”

The win also meant Dubois is once again a champion, holding now the WBO heavyweight fight. Per the Sportster, Dubois had a guaranteed purse around the $1.8 million and $2.3 million. However, the total earnings could rise from that to almost $3.2 million when considering sponsorships, bonuses, etc.

Dubois defeated Wardley by stoppage in the 11th round, where the referee mercifully stepped between the fighters to stop the fight. Dubois now holds a 23-3 record with 22 KOs.

How much did Wardley make vs Dubois?

Wardley was the defending champ, so he also earned seven figures, though not as much as Dubois due to the fame and the end result. The Sportster reported a payout around the $1.6 million mark for Wardley, that could end up rising of the $2.2 million, more or less.

Wardley was close to winning this fight and holds a rematch clause, which is likely he will take. After all, there is not a bigger fight in the horizon for him. Wardley also showed he belongs to the upper-echelon of heavyweights.

Dubois vs Wardley was a fight of the year candidate

The first 10 seconds of the fight saw Wardley knock down Dubois. He managed to put Dubois down again in the first round and then also in the third. However, Dubois showed the heart of a champion and hurt Wardley in the fourth.

After that, it became a slugfest, an absolute war between both and eventually, Dubois started to get the better of the exchanges. Hence, Wardley started to fade until the referee stopped the fight.

Hearn strongly rejected White’s assertion that he would serve as lead promoter for the event, criticizing the UFC president’s comments in direct terms. “Such a clout chaser. Not a chance and contractually impossible,” Hearn said, according to The Mirror. “Let me know when you find your (expletive).” The response came after White stated he would be involved in promoting the Fury vs Joshua blockbuster under his Zuffa Boxing plans.

The disagreement unfolds as Joshua continues working toward a full return after a disrupted year. The former heavyweight champion was expected to fight earlier in 2025 following his knockout win over Jake Paul in December, but his plans were delayed after a serious car accident. Since then, he has resumed training and has been seen preparing alongside former rival Oleksandr Usyk, who has recently been linked to a potential bout with David Benavidez, as he rebuilds toward a summer return window.

Fury vs Joshua build-up intensifies as promotional dispute grows

The long-awaited clash between Fury and Joshua remains dependent on both fighters successfully navigating their respective tune-up bouts. Joshua is expected to face Kristian Prenga on July 25, while Fury continues to position himself for what could be one of the most significant heavyweight events in modern boxing history.

Fury has already added fuel to the anticipation after publicly calling for the matchup following his recent ring appearance at Tottenham, where he secured a dominant win over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Joshua, meanwhile, has gradually re-entered the public spotlight, including attending major boxing events in the UK as he prepares for his return.

Dana White addressed his involvement in the event, stating: “This is the busiest year of my career. I’m gonna be traveling everywhere… I’m focused on Zuffa Boxing hardcore this year… I’m doing the Tyson Fury – AJ fight, too. I’m gonna be promoting that.” His comments directly challenged the long-standing promotional structure traditionally led by Hearn and Frank Warren.

Saudi-backed mega-fight remains in development amid uncertainty

Despite the public disagreement, the Fury vs Joshua fight remains backed by Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh, with plans for a major global broadcast. The financial backing positions the event as one of the most significant boxing spectacles in recent memory once finalized.

However, the promotional dispute highlights the complexity behind organizing such a large-scale event involving multiple competing entities. While both fighters remain focused on their immediate fights, the business side continues to generate headlines and uncertainty.

For now, the bout remains conditional on performance in upcoming fights, but the growing tension between promoters has only intensified anticipation for a matchup that continues to dominate boxing discussions worldwide.

Speaking with Pro Boxing Fans, Ready To Fight CEO Sergey Lapin — a close advisor to Usyk — acknowledged that a matchup with Benavidez would be appealing. “It could be a very interesting fight and definitely one that would attract a lot of attention from fans worldwide. It’s definitely an interesting option for Oleksandr,” Lapin said.

Benavidez‘s dominant win made him a three-division world champion and opened the door to several major opportunities. While an undisputed light-heavyweight clash against Dmitry Bivol remains a possibility, the unbeaten American has also shown interest in eventually moving up to heavyweight.

Benavidez continues building momentum after cruiserweight title win

Benavidez strengthened his reputation last weekend with an impressive stoppage victory over Ramirez in his first fight at 200 pounds. The performance immediately fueled discussion about how far he could go in higher weight classes.

At 29 years old, Benavidez still holds the WBC light-heavyweight title while also carrying momentum from his cruiserweight success. That flexibility gives him multiple options moving forward, including a possible showdown with Bivol or an eventual jump to heavyweight.

Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh has already publicly expressed interest in staging a Benavidez-Usyk fight in 2027, adding even more attention to the idea.

Usyk remains focused on upcoming title defense

Before any future discussions become serious, Usyk still has business ahead of him. The heavyweight champion is preparing to defend his titles against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Usyk remains undefeated and continues to be viewed as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters after victories over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois in recent years.

For now, the Benavidez matchup remains only a possibility, but interest around the fight continues to grow as both fighters stay active near the top of the sport.

Speaking on the All The Smoke Fight podcast, Jones urged Benavidez to act quickly if the opportunity against Usyk becomes real. “This is one of the biggest fights of this decade right now. Take it while it is hot, don’t play with ‘em and don’t let ‘em play with you,” Jones said. He added, “Go up and fight Usyk while it is hot, while it makes sense… Be smart about this thing, go and take Usyk while the iron is still hot.”

Jones also pointed out the risk-reward balance for Benavidez if he chooses between top opponents at heavyweight and cruiserweight. He suggested that a loss to Usyk would not close doors completely, while a different path could remove future opportunities at the elite level.

Benavidez has built an impressive résumé, winning titles across super-middleweight, light-heavyweight, and cruiserweight, which has fueled speculation about a historic jump to heavyweight.

Jones believes timing could define Benavidez’s heavyweight future

Jones Jr made it clear that timing is everything in a potential clash with Usyk. In his view, the fight represents a rare opportunity that should not be delayed if it becomes available.

He also refused to dismiss Benavidez’s chances against the undefeated Ukrainian. “In a boxing ring, with those 10oz gloves on, anything can happen,” Jones said, emphasizing the unpredictability of a high-level heavyweight bout.

Heavyweight move remains uncertain as key fights loom

Despite the heavyweight speculation, Benavidez appears focused on securing major fights at light-heavyweight before making any permanent move up in weight. A potential undisputed clash with Dmitry Bivol remains one of the key targets in his immediate future.

For now, the discussion around Usyk remains hypothetical, but the conversation highlights how quickly Benavidez’s career trajectory could shift depending on upcoming opportunities and results.

A new option has emerged in the form of WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, who has openly called for the opportunity. “I want to compete with the best and test myself… let me know who it is, I’ll say yes,” Wardley said, making it clear he is ready for a high-profile bout.

The situation adds pressure on Fury’s camp to make a decision, especially with recent news indicating that Tyson Fury could be planning another fight and multiple contenders trying to position themselves for a major bout before the end of the year.

Wardley targets top names to elevate his status

Wardley has made it clear that his ambitions go beyond just one opponent. Alongside Fury, he has also mentioned Oleksandr Usyk as a potential target, showing his willingness to face the division’s elite.

His approach reflects a broader strategy to prove himself quickly at the highest level. Taking on a name like Fury would not only elevate his profile but also reshape the current landscape of the heavyweight division.

Risk grows as heavyweight plans remain fluid

For Fury, taking a fight before Joshua could help maintain rhythm and sharpen his form. However, it also introduces risk at a crucial moment, with a major bout already planned later in the year.

The heavyweight division remains in flux, and Fury’s next move could have lasting implications. Whether he opts for activity or patience, the decision will play a key role in shaping one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups.

According to reports from The Ring Magazine, Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh is interested in staging a bout between Benavidez and Usyk in 2027. The proposal comes shortly after Benavidez captured a unified cruiserweight title, further elevating his profile as one of the sport’s most versatile fighters.

Benavidez, who recently said he is focused on legacy, not Canelo Alvarez, now 32-0 with 26 knockouts, had previously downplayed the idea of another jump in weight. However, the conversation quickly shifted as the possibility of a lucrative heavyweight showdown emerged less than two days after his latest win.

Team Benavidez willing to consider the opportunity

Benavidez’s trainer and father, Jose Benavidez Sr., confirmed that they are open to discussing the idea. “Anything’s possible. I’ll sit with David and we’ll discuss it,” he said.

He also mentioned that uncertainty around other potential opponents, like Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia, makes the Usyk fight an interesting option. “Usyk is really good, but with his age, that’s a fight we can consider,” he added.

Usyk, who holds a 24-0 record, is preparing for his next fight against Rico Verhoeven. He has already beaten top fighters such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois during his career.

A fight that could shape the future of both divisions

There is no official date or location yet, but the fight is being discussed for 2027. By then, Usyk will be close to 40 years old, which could play a role in how the matchup is viewed.

For now, Benavidez is expected to take his time before deciding his next move, with a possible return around September. If the fight happens, it would be one of the most interesting matchups in boxing, bringing together two champions from different divisions.