Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya believes that Joshua Clottey is a worthy opponent for Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in his next fight in December.

In an interview with BoxingScene, De La Hoya is aware that most analysts are already counting Clottey out, but the Hall of Famer said that he was impressed with the former champion's recent performances.

After his lopsided decision loss to Manny Pacquiao in March 2010, Clottey has racked up three straight victories, including his impressive unanimous decision win against Anthony Mundine in his opponent's home turf in Australia in April.

"Clottey is an option, he's coming off a big win over Anthony Mundine, where he knocked him down five or six times. It was a great victory. He looked good, strong. He went the distance with Pacquiao, Margarito, and had a close fight with Cotto. Clottey is strong and he'll be right in front of you," De La Hoya said.

In a recent interview, Clottey also hits out at his critics, saying that he is wondering why most people are already counting him out based on his loss to Pacquiao. The 36-year-old said that all of his big wins are not being considered by his critics.

"I don't know why people condemn me with one fight but they've forget the best performances I made with the late (Diego) Corrales, Zab (Judah), (Miguel) Cotto and just recently (Anthony) Mundine in Australia. Well no problems let see what happens in this fight because I am ready for it like I was ready for the Australia fight," Clottey said via BoxingScene.

Alvarez will be a heavy favorite should he decide to face Clottey, which is expected as they are only looking for a fight to prepare for the rumored bout against World Boxing Council middleweight champion Miguel Cotto

De La Hoya recently said that they are planning to stage the Alvarez-Cotto showdown on May 2, saying that it is the second biggest fight in boxing - next to the long-proposed bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"It is what the people and the world is waiting for. The biggest fight after Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is Canelo and Cotto. Saul gave me orders to get it done for May and I'll look to do it," De La Hoya said.