Saul Canelo Alvarez is set to fight three times in 2014, and the first could feature a showdown with former light middleweight champion and pound-for-pound contender Miguel Cotto.
Getting His Mojo Back
After absorbing a lopsided majority decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last September, Alvarez signed a three-fight deal for 2014 in an attempt to reclaim his spot as the best boxer in the light middleweight division.
Alvarez, who boasts 42 wins with 30 knockouts with one defeat, could see himself going toe-to-toe with Cotto first and possibly with WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight title holder Sergio Martinez of Argentina next year. The third fight could be against IBF Light Middleweight champion Carlos Molina or returning slugger Victor Ortiz.
The Golden Boy head executive confirmed that Canelo will be fighting three times next year, and the dates would be on March 8, July 26 and Nov. 22.
"We locked in three dates with the pay-per-view industry," Schaefer told the press via ESPN. "Canelo said he is excited to fight three times next year. He said he doesn't want any vacation, just to fight and work hard."
Clash With Cotto
There are speculations that Canelo is now ready to take on three-division world champion Cotto of Puerto Rico in his next fight.
Cotto is coming off a sensational third round knockout win over Delvin Rodriguez after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Austin Trout last year.
Schaefer said he already contacted Cotto's attorney Gabby Penagaricano to arrange a formal meeting with the Puerto Rican in the near future. The Golden Boy top honcho added that Cotto's current promoter, Top-Rank, should not be involved if he wants his fight with Canelo to push through.
"We all know how huge a Canelo-Cotto fight would be, Mexico versus Puerto Rico, two great fighters, two popular fighters," Schaefer said. "That's the beauty of Miguel being a free agent. He can pick the best deal for himself."
Canelo on a Mission
The 23-year-old Alvarez said he really wanted to fight three times next year, in an attempt to prove to everyone that he's still on top of his game despite falling prey to Mayweather's brilliance the last time.
Alvarez captured the WBC & WBA Light Middleweight and Ring Magazine belts following his unanimous decision victory over Trout this April.
"I came to Golden Boy and told them I want three fights next year. We talked about a lot of different things and we agreed on three dates. I wanted to have the dates set up and start working. I want to have three fights next year and I will work hard preparing for all of them," Alvarez said.
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