Cotto vs. Margarito: Victory Sets Cotto Up for Potential Canelo Alvarez Clash

Miguel Cotto made easy work of rival Antonio Margarito on Saturday night. He dominated for virtually the entire bout, then scored a TKO early in the 10th round after Margarito was deemed unfit to continue. So, the logical question is: Who's next for Junito?

By exacting revenge on El Tornado de Tijuana, he opens up numerous possibilities. The dream scenario for Cotto would be a megafight against Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather. However, a more likely foe would be the undefeated Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Alvarez won his most recent fight by knocking out Kermit Cintron in the fifth round. He has also been hoping to score a major deal with one of the sport's two biggest stars.

While a fight against Pac-Man or Money May would give both Alvarez and Cotto a chance to shine, they would both be sizable underdogs. Against each other, they can still earn a significant payday and have a chance to maintain their recent momentum.

It's a bout that would have no shortage of storylines, as both men are at starkly different stages of their career.

The 31-year-old Cotto is hoping for a couple more marquee bouts before his skills begin to diminish. Alvarez, 21, is just starting his ascent toward the top of the sport. The veteran could reassert his dominance with a win, but Alvarez would be looking to take another step toward stardom.

Cotto has had a conservative schedule in recent years, allowing his aging body to fully recuperate before stepping back into the ring. Alvarez has been taking on a new challenger every two or three months to build his résumé.

Perhaps the most interesting storyline would be Alvarez's win over Jose Miguel Cotto, Junito's brother. Any time family history is involved, there is a different level of tension leading up to the bout.

The sport of boxing really needs Pacquiao vs. Mayweather to happen. If the two camps can finally agree to a deal—therefore eliminating the other viable options for Cotto and Alvarez—they would almost be forced to fight each other.

There could even be a tournament-style feel to the bouts. The winners of both major encounters could face off, as could the losers. That would ensure all four men get at least two big purses in 2012.

It will probably take at least a month before everything gets sorted out, but Cotto made it clear on Saturday night that he's still a force to be reckoned with.