Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Miguel Cotto are not expected to cross paths this year, but reports indicated that the two boxing stars are bound to face each other next year.
Jose Reynoso, Canelo's manager, told BoxingScene that the proposed showdown between Cotto and Alvarez won't happen this year as the two fighters are eyeing easier fights before the end of the year.
Alvarez, who is coming off two-straight wins after his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September 2013, is planning to fight again in November, while Cotto is set to defend his World Boxing Council middleweight title in December.
According to reports, Alvarez, who has an impressive 44-1-1 record with 31 knockouts, could face James Kirkland in November or December depending on the scheduled meeting between Canelo's camp and Golden Boy Promotions later this month.
Sources indicated that Canelo's next fight will not be staged in Las Vegas as Reynoso indicated that they are eyeing the Alamodome in San Antonio or the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, Cotto, who won his fourth world title in as many divisions after beating Sergio Martinez in June, could face Andy Lee in his first title defense.
Lou DiBella, Lee's promoter, expressed confidence that the fight will be finalized soon, while also adding that the fight could do good numbers - near or even better than the Cotto-Martinez showdown.
"I really believe you'll have a similar crowd to what Cotto-Martinez drew, and Andy really wants the fight," DiBella said. "Bob (Arum) and I have worked together on fights before. I'm sure HBO would like Andy as an opponent, and I know the Garden loves the fight. Bob and I talked about it, and he knows we want the fight."
Arum, CEO of Top Rank Promotions, confirmed that Lee is being considered for Cotto's next fight, but the final decision will be made by the Puerto Rican champion and his camp.
"Lou DiBella did call me about Andy Lee, and I said, 'Yeah, that would be a good fight.' But, again, the ball is in Cotto's court. It's Cotto's date, and he'll decide what he wants to do," Arum said via RingTV. "I love Andy Lee. To me, he's a terrific fighter and a great attraction and a nice young man."
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