By Miguel Rivera
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (44-1-1, 31KOs) is waiting for an answer on whether or not a deal will be reached to face WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32KOs) on May 2nd. The two sides are in active negotiations and this coming week appears to be a deadline of sorts for an agreement.
Canelo is not the only fighter with a focus on staging a fight on Cinco De Mayo weekend. WBC/WBA champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants to make a defense of his titles on May 2nd and there are discussions taking place for a fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Trainer Freddie Roach, who works with Cotto and Pacquiao, says the fight with Canelo is more likely to take place.
In a recent radio interview conducted in Mexico, Canelo was asked if he would continue with his plan to fight on May 2nd - if his promoter was unable to reach a deal with Cotto. Canelo said 'yes.' He strongly believes the Cinco De Mayo date should be occupied by a Mexican fighter. Canelo also said he won't "step away" - even if Cotto falls through - to allow Mayweather to fight on the date.
"I said I was planning to fight in May and I intend to do so. [May 2] is a very important date for me and I'm not going to move from that date. These Mexican dates are for us. I want to return these dates to us," Canelo said.
