Saúl "Canelo" Alvarez is expected to return to the ring on May 7 Cinco de Mayo weekend, although it remains to be seen whom he intends to face and where the fight will be held.
Per Boxing Junkie, two names have been leaked as the Mexican's next opponent — Willie Monroe or Gabriel Rosado. However, Golden Boy Promotions Vice President Eric Gomez reiterated in the same report that all fighters who fall under the 154- to 160-pound weight category are still being considered.
With that said, Alvarez' final opponent will likely be announced next week once he and his camp sit down to discuss plans for the said fight.
Monroe last fought in May of last year, falling to Gennady Golovkin who incidentally is the fighter that the World Boxing Council (WBC) wants for Alvarez.
After wresting the lineal middleweight title from Miguel Cotto back in November, the WBC softened its stance and allowed both fighters to take on voluntary fights as negotiations go along.
So Monroe could be a good choice and probably the best one to test if he can fight over his usual 155-pound weight. The WBC and Golovkin are not likely to budge on Alvarez' request for a catch weight at 155 pounds.
Rosado, on the other hand, is not exactly someone who holds a good record, having lost four of his last six matches. He did win over Joshua Clottey last month which he won via decision.
But like Monroe, Rosado has already faced Golovkin in 2013. Rosado lost by total knockout (TKO) in the seventh round at the time.
So if Monroe or Rosado will be chosen, it technically looks like Alvarez and camp are gearing up for an imminent showdown with Triple G.
Although no date has been set for that much anticipated Alvarez vs. Golovkin fight, it is likely to take place later this year.
