Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned boxer, has never been one to shy away from controversy, and this time, he’s setting his sights on boxing’s biggest superstar—Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. In a fiery outburst on social media, Paul took aim at the reigning pound-for-pound king, calling him out for his lack of action and, most notably, his failure to face David Benavidez, a potential opponent that fans have been clamoring for.

Jake Paul is no stranger to calling out big names in boxing, but his recent criticism of Canelo seems to have hit a nerve, sparking reactions from both boxing fans and pundits. Let’s break down exactly what Paul said, why it’s creating such a stir, and what this means for both his career and Canelo’s.

Jake Paul’s Fiery Message to Canelo

It all started when Jake Paul, in his usual bold fashion, took to social media to express his frustration with Canelo’s career choices. “Canelo’s a b****,” Paul said bluntly. “This guy talks about being the best, but where’s the fight with Benavidez? Why is he avoiding the real challengers?”

Paul didn’t stop there. He further ripped into Canelo’s recent string of performances, claiming that the Mexican superstar has been carefully picking his fights, only choosing opponents that serve to maintain his reputation as the world’s best—without risking a real challenge. Paul’s frustration boils down to one key point: Canelo’s refusal to face David Benavidez, the undefeated former super middleweight champion who many believe could be the toughest test for the current champion.

“People want to see Canelo fight the best, not pick and choose fights just to pad his legacy,” Paul continued. “If you really want to prove you’re the best, fight the people who are hungry and ready to take your crown. Benavidez is calling you out, so stop avoiding him and make the fight happen.”

Why the Benavidez Fight Matters

David Benavidez has long been considered one of the top fighters in the super middleweight division, and for boxing fans, the fight between him and Canelo has become the most anticipated showdown in the sport. Benavidez, known for his aggressive style, power, and unbeaten record, has been vocal in his desire to face Canelo. However, despite the growing call for the two to meet in the ring, Canelo has yet to entertain the matchup.

For many boxing fans, it’s been puzzling why Canelo—who has faced the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Caleb Plant, and Sergey Kovalev—has not yet agreed to fight the 26-year-old Benavidez. Some suggest that Canelo is avoiding a challenge from a younger, hungry fighter who could potentially dethrone him. Whether it’s a matter of timing, financial negotiation, or genuine concern about the matchup, the lack of a fight between the two has become one of the biggest talking points in the sport.

Jake Paul’s criticism hits a nerve because he’s tapping into a sentiment shared by many boxing enthusiasts—Canelo’s reluctance to face Benavidez has left a hole in the sport, leaving fans wondering when the fight will finally happen.

Jake Paul’s Growing Presence in Boxing

Although Jake Paul’s boxing career has been met with skepticism from some purists, his ability to generate attention and stir the pot in the sport is undeniable. Paul’s rise from YouTube influencer to a professional boxer has come with both praise and criticism. However, there’s no denying that he has brought significant attention to the sport, even attracting mainstream media coverage and a younger audience to boxing.

Despite his relatively short career, Paul has already faced a mix of opponents, from former MMA fighters like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley to seasoned boxers like Tommy Fury. His brash and confident demeanor has made him a polarizing figure, and his ability to call out big names in boxing like Canelo and Floyd Mayweather has made him a force to be reckoned with in terms of publicity.

Jake’s strategy of calling out established boxers is clearly part of his marketing machine. But in this case, his comments about Canelo are more than just a publicity stunt—they’re based on genuine frustrations about the direction of the sport. While many may dismiss Jake’s involvement in boxing, there’s a growing recognition that he’s striking a chord with fans who feel that the sport’s biggest stars, like Canelo, are avoiding tough challenges.

Is Canelo Avoiding the Benavidez Fight?

Canelo’s reluctance to fight Benavidez is a complex issue. On one hand, the Mexican fighter has achieved incredible success, holding multiple titles across various weight classes. He has beaten some of the sport’s most notable names, including Golovkin, Plant, and Kovalev. On the other hand, critics argue that Canelo has been selective with his opponents, choosing fights that he knows he can win, rather than challenging himself against the rising stars in the division like Benavidez.

In the eyes of many boxing fans, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Canelo has avoided Benavidez in favor of other matchups. While the reasons behind this choice remain unclear, some believe it’s a strategic decision to maintain his dominant status without risking a loss to a dangerous, young fighter like Benavidez.

Canelo has faced criticism before for his fight selections, particularly after his controversial decision to fight Dmitry Bivol, a light heavyweight champion, and subsequently losing in a one-sided contest. Some fans believe that Canelo is trying to avoid another risky encounter like that by steering clear of Benavidez, who is seen as one of the biggest threats in the super middleweight division.

What’s Next for Canelo and Jake Paul?

Jake Paul’s words have ignited a debate that’s been simmering for a while in the boxing world. Will Canelo finally give fans the fight they’ve been clamoring for, or will he continue to avoid the young challenger? Only time will tell.

For Jake Paul, calling out Canelo is just another way to keep his name in the headlines and build his brand in the boxing world. It’s unlikely that Paul will get the chance to face Canelo anytime soon, but his challenge has certainly raised questions about the direction of Canelo’s career. As for Canelo, he will have to decide whether he’s ready to answer the challenge from Benavidez and prove that he truly is the best in the division.

Conclusion: A War of Words in the Boxing World

Jake Paul’s recent attack on Canelo Alvarez may be the most dramatic shot fired in an ongoing battle over legacy and legacy-making fights in boxing. With fans eagerly awaiting the showdown between Canelo and Benavidez, Paul’s fiery comments have only added fuel to the fire. Whether or not Canelo will take the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jake Paul isn’t backing down from stirring the pot in the boxing world, and he’s not afraid to call out the biggest names in the sport—no matter how controversial it might be.