By Radio Rahim

If Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach had his way, WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32KOs) would be facing Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (44-1-1, 32KOs) in June.

The two sides were negotiating for several weeks, but their negotiations fell apart last month. Cotto was not satisfied with the financial terms that were offered. Both fighters are now going in separate directions. Canelo is now going to face James Kirkland on a May date at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Cotto's next opponent is unknown.

If both of them manage to win their upcoming fights, Roach would like to see them fight each other in the fall.

"Canelo Alvarez is my first choice. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get that fight, because I thought it was a great fight for Miguel. But both guys wanted to be on the A-side, but my guy has the belt. The other guy says he sells more pay-per-view [and] tickets. It didn't happen," Roach told BoxingScene.com.

Roach has been in contact with Cotto's legal adviser Gaby Penagaricano, who hasn't provided him with a list of names for Miguel's next fight. He expects to get a list very soon and plans to work closely with Cotto's team to nail down an opponent.