By Jake Donovan

It goes without saying that in the way of stateside notoriety, there are Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and then everyone else. Such a status–combined with their serving as arguably the best two fighters in the world—makes their May 2 event the most anticipated in recent memory, and one targeted to go down as the most lucrative in boxing history.

Of course, nothing lasts forever, including a fighter’s career no matter how many times they retire and return. So as boxing’s two biggest stars prepare for May 2, the rest of the industry will be forced to deal with the aftermath, including the eventual successor.

In that regard, the name most often mentioned is former 154 lb. champ Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Already a major draw in Mexico and the United States, Alvarez is still a few months shy of only turning 26 years old. His lone defeat to date came at the hands of Mayweather—no shame in such a setback, especially when the night shattered box office records—but has bounced back strong with wins over Alfredo Angulo and Erislandy Lara in 2014.

The wildly popular boxing superstar from Mexico is now preparing for a May 9 showdown with dangerous hitting James Kirkland. The bout takes place at Minute Maid Park in Houston, where event handlers are expecting upwards of 40,000 fans in attendance, roughly the same total that Alvarez packed into the Alamodome in San Antonio for his April ’13 title-unification win over Austin Trout.

As he keeps winning and entertains doing so—or even just entertains, win or lose—fans will continue to flock. Naturally, it bears the question of whether or not he’s prepared to carry the torch for boxing.

“I’m ready for whatever comes my way,” insists Alvarez (44-1-1, 31KOs). “I work hard, I train hard to be where I am. If that’s the role I’m asked to play when they’re done, I’m ready to assume that role.” 

Of course, there’s a quicker path to claiming that role—with the winners from May 2 and May 9 squaring off down the road.

Mayweather serves as the welterweight and junior middleweight king, the latter a weight Alvarez could still reasonably make even though this upcoming bout will make his third straight just above the 154 lb. junior middleweight limit.

“Of course I’d love a rematch,” Alvarez states without hesitation when posed with the scenario of avenging his lone career defeat. “I’ve learned more things since then. I’m more experienced now. But right now, the most important fight for me is on May 9.”

A win by Pacquiao on May 2 could produce a matchup far easier to make (theoretically), since Top Rank and Golden Boy—Alvarez’ promoter—are now back to doing business, while neither party is keen on working with Mayweather and adviser Al Haymon (May 2 notwithstanding).

Also in discussion—and reportedly a tentative deal in place—is a showdown with reigning middleweight king Miguel Cotto. The mouthwatering clash was originally targeted for May 2 before Cotto decided to move in a different direction.

The fight is now back on the table, although all parties are mum on if and when it will actually take place—understandable, since Alvarez would still like to get through May 9.

“There’s been talks of the fight with Cotto for a long time,” Alvarez acknowledges, refusing to tip his hand. “But my focus is on James Kirkland and nothing else.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox