Promoter Yvon Michel is looking at summertime returns for two of the biggest names in his stable, light heavyweight Eleider Alvarez and heavyweight Oscar Rivas.

Michel co-promotes both boxers with Top Rank, who have an exclusive content deal with ESPN.

As coronavirus pandemic plays out, Top Rank is looking to resume some of their events, without fans in attendance, in the month of June.

Michel discussed the situation on the Dave Morissette broadcast on TVA Sports.

“I know that the UFC [started back] this weekend. I spoke to the heads of Top Rank. They intend to restart the machine in force in June. We are talking about probably two or three cards a week starting in mid-June,” Michel said.  

“They contacted us about Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas. For Alvarez, we are looking for mid-July for his fight against Joe Smith, if things are progressing in the right direction, obviously. [Top Rank will] find the right way to organize events that will be safe for all participants."

Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) has been out of the ring since suffering a twelve round unanimous decision loss to Dillian Whyte in July 2019. Still highly ranked by the sanctioning bodies, Rivas signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank earlier this year.

Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs), a former WBO world champion, will get his chance to reclaim that title if he continues to win. In January he knocked out Michael Seals in seven rounds, which sets up his fight against Joe Smith. The WBO title is currently vacant after Canelo Alvarez dropped the belt to move back down in weight.