By Mike Coppinger

BoxingScene.com has been advised by sources close to the negotiations that a middleweight fight between Gabe Rosado and J'Leon Love is close for the May 4 Showtime PPV card headlined by Floyd Mayweather and Robert Guerrero. The source requested anonymity, as they are not yet authorized to speak on the subject.

Rosado (21-6, 13 KOs)  gave a good account of himself in a January HBO outing against Gennady Golovkin, but was stopped in the seventh round when his corner threw in the towel. Rosado's face was a crimson mask and he was taking a beating, but showed toughness and a solid chin. Prior to that fight, Rosado resurrected his career in 2012 under the guidance of promoter Main Events, reeling off three knockout wins on NBC Sports Network's Fight Night series.

Love (15-0, 8 KOs) is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and trains at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. Love made his Showtime Championship Boxing debut this year with a decision win over Derrick Findley. The 25-year-old middleweight prospect will be taking a giant leap in class with a fight against Rosado.

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