Gennady Golovkin ordered to face Dominic Wade

You know how it would have made absolutely perfect sense to dispense with the tuneups and just have Gennady Golovkin fight "Canelo" Alvarez in May?

Yeah, that's not happening. Instead, "GGG's" search for any opponent besides the obvious one continues, as the IBF has reportedly ordered him to face their number-three-ranked contender, Dominic Wade, after Tureano Johnson's injury.

Per Dan Rafael:

With Johnson hurt, IBF has moved on its rankings and ordered GGG to face Dominic Wade. IBF says the sides are negotiating. #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) January 26, 2016

This is far from a sure thing, however; Wade (18-0, 12 KO) is part of Al Haymon's stable, with all of the promotional roadblocks that entails.

The young American's biggest win to date came last June, when he controversially edged Sam Soliman by split decision on ShoBox. He's also beaten Nick Brinson, although his résumé ends there.

Should this fight also collapse, other options remain. Golovkin's recent trip to the UK to watch West Ham has led to rumblings that the Saunders fight may not be dead after all, while Matt Korobov is apparently in the running as well. No matter the case, we'll keep you up to date.