Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez is likely to meet Miguel Cotto in November, setting up a fight between two of the world's best pound-for-pound boxers. Getty

It might not be as big as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, but the second-most anticipated fight of 2015 is almost a done deal. Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez are closing in on an agreement that would pit the two boxers against each other in four months.

The fine details need to be worked out, but the fight has seemed inevitable since Cotto beat Daniel Geale on June 6 to retain his middleweight title. A week ago, head of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya told BoxingScene.com that “it's a matter of crossing the t's and dotting the i's,” and an official announcement could be made soon.

"There are still some details that need to be fixed," Eric Gomez, Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions, told ESPN Deportes. "We've been negotiating, we're missing some details. It's important to establish the date and the venue -- but not only that, there are other details. We have a meeting with them Thursday, with the Cotto people and Roc Nation."

The two sides were unable to come to an agreement just six months ago, but it’s a near certainty that Cotto and Alvarez will meet in the ring this fall. With Cotto holding the 160-pound middleweight title and Alvarez previously holding the 154-pound middleweight belt, the fighters will meet at a catch weight of 155 pounds.

Nov. 7 has been discussed as a possible date, but the fight might be more likely to take place on Nov. 21. De La Hoya has said Las Vegas is the definite host city, with the possible venues being the Thomas and Mack Center or MGM Grand.

While Mayweather-Pacquiao was considered to be a slow-paced letdown by many viewers, Cotto vs. Canelo could be one of the most exciting fights of 2015. Cotto beat Geale in an exciting fourth-round technical knockout last month. Alvarez beat James Kirkland on May 9 in what is a candidate for fight of the year. In less than three full rounds, the boxers combined to land 118 power punches.

Cotto and Alvarez are two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, and the fight should draw a lot of money. Alvarez’s only career loss came against Mayweather, and Cotto has been dominant in his three consecutive victories, looking rejuvenated since joining trainer Freddie Roach. Cotto vs. Alvarez will continue boxing’s storied Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry, helping to generate a lot of pay-per-view buys.

The winner of the fight could go on to face Gennady "GGG" Golovkin. WBC president Mauricio Suliaman has called for the winner to take on GGG, who’s 33-0 with 30 knockouts, but still looking to face a top opponent.

RELATED STORIES