By Ryan Burton

Middleweight prospect Yamaguchi Falcao (15-0) is the latest fighter to throw his name into the mix to be WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO middleweight champion Gennady "Triple G" Golovkin's May 5th opponent.

Golovkin is scheduled to face Canelo Alvarez in a rematch of their September, 2017 bout that ended in a controversial split draw but the fight is in jeopardy because Canelo tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol twice in February. 

Canelo is scheduled to have a hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 18th to determine his fate.

Falcao last fought on Saturday when he beat faded veteran Richard Gutierrez via unanimous decision. Falcao suffered a knockdown in the first round but replays showed that he hit the canvas because his foot was stepped on and not because of the impact of the punch.

"The fight for me was an educational fight. He was an opponent with a lot of experience and I learned a lot from him. He was a very dirty fighter but we did a good job. I am really happy with my team and I think that this fight showed that I am ready for the bigger names," said Falcao.

The 30-year-old Brazil captured an Olympic bronze medal in 2012 in the light heavyweight division and believes that he is ready for a world title opportunity even though it would represent a significant step up in class.

"I am ready to fight for a title. The only thing I need is an opportunity. I see that Golovkin is looking for an opponent and I am ready for him. I will fight him whenever and wherever. I have a lot of experience in the amateurs and as a professional and I will fight the best fight of my life against him," Falcao told BoxingScene.com.

"I am ready to go. I just fought a few days ago and I am still in the same shape. I can fight in 15 or 20 days. I just need the opportunity. If Golovkin says he wants to fight against Yamaguchi on May 5th then we will fight on May 5th. It is that simple."

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