Who should Alvarez fight next?

[shza]

Money's on Floyd fighting Alvarez next after Cotto, assuming the Manny fight doesn't happen and assuming Floyd doesn't step up and take a fight with Maravilla.

Who at 154 would be the best opponent for Alvarez to make a Floyd fight seem like less of a disappointment? (Obviously Cotto would have been the fight if he were available.)

Kirkland's probably not an option since he's already fighting Molina in late March.

Martirosyan?

It's kind of a weak division.

[To be clear, any fight other than Manny or Martinez at 154 would be disappointing. Just wondering if the more-likely option could be made half-decent. Also, I'd love to see Cotto actually beat Floyd and make this discussion less relevant -- but unfortunately I just don't see that happening.]

K9 or Martirosyan are perfect fights for the kid. Each fight is very winnable, but from from easy, and K9 and Martirosyan are legitimate steps up from his previous competition, but not as complicated as Lara or as dangerous as Kirkland.

I have only seen K9 fight on The Contender (where I was completely unimpressed). Do you really consider him on the same level as Martirosyan?