Saul Alvarez signs with Golden Boy Promotions

In a move that ends plenty of speculation, Mexican welterweight prospect Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has signed with Golden Boy Promotions.

Golden Boy sent out a press release earlier with the information.

From Oscar de la Hoya:

"This is a very important moment for Golden Boy Promotions. Saul is an idol throughout Mexico because he has incredible natural boxing talent and a charismatic personality to go along with it. This signing of Saul Alvarez is something that will lead both Saul and Golden Boy to continued success in boxing in the United States, Mexico and around the world."

From Alvarez:

"I want to show everyone that I will be a World Champion and that I'm ready to fight the best fighters in the world. The opportunity to work with Golden Boy is definitely one that I could not pass up as I feel it will help me achieve my goal of reaching my full potential as a fighter and becoming a huge success in boxing."

Alvarez (30-0-1, 22 KO) is just 19 years old and has burned through gatekeepers and journeymen at an incredible rate since turning pro in 2005 at the age of 15. He's become a major star and live draw in Mexico and has a lot of potential to become a major attraction for the Mexican audience for the next decade at least. He's an exciting young fighter unafraid of challenges, as evidenced by his willingness to -- again, 19 years old -- fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., which has come up in semi-bunk rumor form a couple of times in the last few months.

There's no doubt Golden Boy sees big things here. Mexican boxing is coming to a bit of a crossroads. Morales and Barrera are as done as they're going to get, and the Marquez brothers and Israel Vazquez are nearing the end of great careers, too. They'll need new stars, and Alvarez fits the bit wonderfully. This could wind up being one of the best signings in Golden Boy's company history, and that's not hyperbole.

Golden Boy says Alvarez will soon have a date and opponent for his next fight.