I think it’s safe to say many of us are expecting to see Saul “Canelo” Alvarez take on a Miguel Cotto in a big blockbuster bout, after his win against Erislandy Lara.

Aside from names such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, it’s the biggest fight in the sport that can be made.

Alvarez and Cotto have huge fan followings, there is the dynamic of the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry, the potential passing of the torch storyline, the battle for the lineal middleweight title, etc.

It’s an intriguing match-up because it would be a strategic, action-packed bout between two fighters that share many similarities.

It’s a fight that makes sense from an economical standpoint, an event that would bring in money for Bob Arum, Oscar De La Hoya, and for whichever network wins the bidding rights to host.

This dream fight may be derailed however, with rumors surfacing of Alvarez fighting the hard punching James Kirkland later this year.

A potential match-up that may come as a surprise because of the timing, this is a great move for Alvarez and for Golden Boy Promotions as well.

With talks about this potential fight taking place somewhere in Texas, preferably at the Alamo Dome. Kirkland is from Texas, he probably would not mind being involved in the biggest fight of his life, fighting in front of home state fans.

Texas borders Mexico, plenty of fans in support of Alvarez will travel to the venue and fill up the stadium. Reminiscent of when Alvarez fought Austin Trout in 2013.

Big money to be made, fan friendly fight, win-win for everyone.

With this potential move to face Kirkland, Alvarez is essentially cleaning house in his division (Junior Middleweight) and has the chance to add another feather to his cap before facing Cotto.

This a vintage statement from Alvarez, as this cleansing of the division was a task frequented by old-school champions of yester-year.

By Kirk Jackson

Cynics had a case against Alvarez in the past, for being an overrated, over-hyped fighter. Fair criticisms, as it can be argued he was mainly fighting against guys who were outmatched or too old and past their prime.

Matthew Hatton was too small, Jose Miguel Cotto was too small, his prime and not really a factor to begin with. Shane Mosley was obviously a shell of his former self, and after dissecting Alvarez’s resume up until 2013, it’s fair to say he was not living up to the hype.

But Alvarez certainly stepped up his game as of late. It started when he fought two undefeated fighters Austin Trout and Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

He defeated Alfredo Angulo via technical knock-out earlier this year and recently earned a victory via split decision over one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, Erislandy Lara.

There’s no doubt we are witnessing the maturity and growth of a potentially great fighter, who is the future torch bearer for the sport.

Judging his recent actions from a professional standpoint, I like what I am seeing.

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