We’ve already taken a look at five fights Gennady Golovkin could choose for his interim contest before facing Canelo Alvarez, but there’s a slightly different criteria needed for Saul.
Having never fought a true 160-pounder, Alvarez would be wise to test the waters before he goes up against the great white shark of the division.
Here are five men who fit the bill, in our opinion. Click below to read on.
5. Andy Lee
Although he’s coming off the back of a loss in which he relinquished his WBO world title, the Irishman is one of the best at 160lbs. A skillful southpaw with a venomous punch, Lee could be a potential banana skin for Canelo at this stage, especially given his height and range.
He’s also well-known in America, meaning a win over him would enhance Canelo’s reputation, especially as a legitimate middleweight.
4. Daniel Geale
The tough Aussie is a former world champion, though could be a spent force after recent stoppage losses to Golovkin and Miguel Cotto. He’s a busy, determined fighter in the ring and had been operating at 160 for quite some time now – he would give Canelo a real feel of what it’s like to fight a middleweight.
3. Gabriel Rosado
Rosado kept his career alive by outpointing Joshua Clottey over 10 rounds at the weekend. He had been on a losing run prior to that, but is brave, still ambitious and still relatively young. Rosado was previously a super-welterweight but has been at middle since 2013.
2. Billy Joe Saunders
In winning the WBO world title from Andy Lee, Saunders has become one of the most sought after middleweights on the planet. Although he is almost anonymous across the pond, the bauble around his waist carries plenty of clout. Plus, Saunders has expressed an interest in fighting the flame-haired Mexican.
1. David Lemieux
The Canadian lost his IBF title to Golovkin in October, but remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. With bags of heart and dynamite fists, Lemieux is always in exciting fights. While he is not only a decent draw, he would also provide a sound measuring stick of where Canelo is at in comparison to Golovkin, at 160lbs.
