Are Negotiations For Cotto vs. Alvarez Almost Finished?

The much anticipated bout between Miguel Cotto and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez occuring this fall should be confirmed sometime this month or early August.

According to sources, Roc Nation Sports, who represents Cotto and Golden Boy Promotions, who represents Alvarez, are reportedly still working out the details on a specific date and venue.

Cotto’s adviser, Gabriel Peñagaricano, has reportedly mentioned a November date for the fight but he also cautioned that the date will be linked to the venue itself.

In the matter of set weight for the bout, it seems like that’s already settled. According to media sources, the contract weight for the fight will be 155 pounds. It will be sold as a weight where neither fighter will have any sort of advantage.

Cotto, who fights as a middleweight has only really fought at that weight against Sergio Martinez; against every other opponent he has come in under 155. Alvarez is considered a super welterweight fighter and has come in at 155 in two occasions, which were both victories, against Erislandy Lara and Alfredo Angulo.

Another matter that is resolved, according to media sources, is that the fight will be broadcast on HBO pay-per-view. The cable company should be excited about this contest as it will most likely generate enormous pay-per-view sales among the Latin community in the United States and boxing aficionados.

Another advantage for HBO is that the winner is most likely going to take on Gennady Golovkin, which will guarantee another huge pay-per-view event for the television company in 2016.

As an interesting side note, Peñagaricano reportedly did mention that should the 34 year-old Cotto defeat the 32 year-old Alvarez, they will ensure that the Puerto Rican fighter will not be stripped of his belt if he chooses to avoid his mandatory challenger Golovkin. It would seem that before the fight can be agreed upon, this point still needs to be negotiated.

Let’s hope all the negotiations bare fruit quickly because this bout is necessary for boxing to keep building momentum and attracting a new generation of fans to this great sport.