Paul's team put out a statement saying they're considering other big names for his next fight. The 11-1 boxer has wins over Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz, but he's taken heat for a planned bout with 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Meanwhile, Canelo signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season and will likely face Terence Crawford in September. That left Paul without the big-name opponent he wanted.
Andy Ruiz Jr stepped up and said he'd like to fight Paul. The 35-year-old former heavyweight champ from California commented on Paul's Instagram post:
"I'm down to fight my brother. Let me know. It would be an honour for my fans and my Mexican people."
Ruiz shocked the world in 2019 when he stopped Anthony Joshua in the seventh round. He was a late replacement for Joshua's American debut and walked away with three world title belts, handing 'AJ' his first loss.
Ruiz lost the rematch to Joshua and took two years off. He came back with wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz. His last fight was a controversial draw with Jarrell Miller last August. Ruiz hurt his hand badly in that fight but has recovered and wants big fights.
Even though Ruiz offered to fight, it probably won't happen. It's a big risk for Paul without the same reward as a Canelo fight would bring.
Paul keeps trying to fight established boxing champs. He's taken flak for mostly beating former UFC fighters and older boxers so far. His push for tougher opponents comes as more celebrities and influencers step into the boxing ring to face pros. Some debate whether these matchups are legitimate or competitive.