By Jhonny Gonzalez

A potential fight is inching closer between Mexico's Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (36-0, 26KOs) and British boxer Ryan Rhodes (45-4, 31KOs). WBC President Jose Sulaiman announced in Mexico City that Rhodes has been appointed as the mandatory challenger to Alvarez's WBC junior middleweight title. Sulaiman hinted that he was going to make this ruling a few days. Alvarez won the vacant title by way of decision over another British fighter, Matthew Hatton.

"We have chosen Ryan Rhodes because he is the highest available contender. We looked at someone higher than him, but we don't believe [Alfredo] Angulo is available," Sulaiman said.

The tentative date for Alvarez-Rhodes is June 18 in Mexico. No details were disclosed on the negotiations or whether a deal was finalized.