Canelo Alvarez
Canelo Alvarez is expected to enter another high-profile bout in 2014. Getty Images

Despite the fact that he looked overwhelmed at times during his recent loss to undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather Junior, Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is expected to enter another high profile bout in 2014. While the recent match-up with FMJ at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena didn't go as he hoped it would, the 23-year-old is still a rising superstar and it is because of his growing reputation that Golden Boy Promotions -- the promotional firm that backs Alvarez -- continues to purge the sport for possible suitors.

According to ESPN, Erislandy Lara, Carlos Molina and Alfredo Angula stand as the leading candidates to battle Canelo Alvarez when the Mexican star next fights in 2014. Molina has enjoyed recent success, claiming the IBF junior middleweight title last weekend with a victory over Ishe Smith and even though he is the only one of the aforementioned fighters not represented by Golden Boy Promotions, many feel the 30-year-old would be the ideal opponent for Canelo since both have strong professional resumes and share passionate roots to their native Mexico.

In 29 career fights, Molina holds a record of 22 wins (6 by knockout), 5 losses and 2 draws. Previously fighting and defeating well-known boxers in Ishe Smith -- whom he recently upended to claim the Light middleweight title -- Kermit Cintron and Danny Perez, Carlos Molina will remain in the discussion as to who Canelo takes on next.

Of course Golden Boy could go in the direction of 18-1-2 Erislandy Lana who currently holds the title of Junior Middleweight interim champion. Victories over Alfredo Angula, Freddy Hernandez and Tim Connors have helped the 30-year-old Cuban pad his resume over the years and if given the opportunity to battle Canelo, Lana is surely capable of providing fans with a top-level effort.

Entering the ropes 35 times in his career, Victor Ortiz has accumulated 29 victories and 2 draws. Originally set to fight Canelo in September of 2012, Ortiz was forced to remove himself from action after suffering a broken jaw. Out of action for over a year, Ortiz would certainly enjoy a bout with Canelo but boxing fans can only wait and see how the situation develops.

RELATED: Floyd Mayweather Vs. Danny Garcia? Undefeated Garcia Could Be Challenged Following Mayweather Victory Over Canelo Alvarez

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.