Manny Pacquiao Next Fight: Canelo Alvarez The Frontrunner Despite Loss To Floyd Mayweather?

While Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have still never stepped in the same ring, the two share many common opponents. That list could even expand with PacMan’s next fight.

Canelo Alvarez’s name has been added to the mix of possible opponents for Pacquiao. The welterweight champ is looking for someone to fight near the end of 2014, and a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, which once seemed likely, may not happen.

Alvarez has fought once since he was beaten by Mayweather in September, knocking out Alfredo Angulo in March. He’s scheduled to face Erislandy Lara on July 12, but wants another fight this year.

Before losing to Mayweather, Alvarez was undefeated. He’s just 23 years old, having beaten the likes of Austin Trout, Josesito Lopez and Shane Mosley.

The biggest obstacle might be getting the two sides to agree upon a weight. When Pacquiao beat Timothy Bradley in April, he weighed in at 145 pounds. Alvarez weighed 155 pounds in his last fight and will be at the same weight for his bout this summer.

“At the right weight, we’ll [Pacquiao] fight him,” trainer Freddie roach Roach told the Boxing Channel. “I think the biggest he [Pacquiao] can fight is 150…I know [Canelo] came down to 152 for Mayweather…He’s a much bigger guy than Manny. If we can get a catch-weight that is fair to both of them, I think it would be a good fight.”

In 2010, Pacquiao fought Antonio Margarito at a catch weight of 150 pounds. PacMan had his way with his opponent, claiming the WBC Light Middleweight title in a dominant unanimous decision.

Pacquiao fights for Bob Arum and Top Rank, which hasn’t done business with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in five years. Even though Alvarez fights for Golden Boy, the rivalry might not stop the fight from happening.

“Bob, what he did for my career was amazing and I appreciate it, am so grateful,” De La Hoya said, via the Los Angeles Times, in April. “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t extend an olive branch, end the cold war and make fights together. I will be making calls in the near future and we’ll make an event together very soon.”

Since 2007, Pacquiao and Mayweather have faced five of the same opponents. They both defeated Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton and De La Hoya. Mayweather topped Marquez in 2009, while Pacquiao has two victories and one defeat against Marquez in the last six years.