But Canelo, whose nickname means “cinnamon” in Spanish – a nod to his unusual auburn hair, is one of the most popular fighters in the sport and represents by far the sternest test in Smith’s career so far.
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Alvarez fought with a chip on his shoulder, knocking Smith down three times, including in the final round with a blistering hook to the body.
Liam Smith lays on the mat as referee Luis Pavon calls the knock out by Canelo Alvarez during the ninth round of the WBO Junior Middleweight championship boxing match at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016.
However, Golovkin took to Instagram to offer his take: ‘I didn’t expect that Smith punched so hard and that Canelo would talk that nonsense after the fight, ‘ he wrote.
On September 17th, the boxing world will have its eyes on HBO’s pay per view featuring Canelo taking on England’s Liam “Beefy” Smith.
Despite a recent middleweight reign that saw him win the linear title, Alvarez insisted on operating at 155lbs for his win over then-holder Miguel Cotto (W12) and for his defence against Amir Khan (W KO 6).
“I fear no one”, Alvarez said after improving his record to 48-1-1 with his 34 knockout. I loved every bit of it, everything up to the fight.
“So about a month ago, we offered him (Golovkin) two or three times as much to make the fight. This fight is me making a name for myself the world over and establishing myself to the world of boxing and not just for British fight fans”, said the 28-year-old Smith.
Smith’s response when I asked him was simply “I want it and I can beat him”. We’re a team. I’m not going to blame my promoter or anyone else. I didn’t want to say anything because I respect my rivals.
Negotiations toward a fight this fall fell apart, and some were surprised Alvarez said Golovkin had been offered a fight.
A 51,240 crowd came out to see the 25-year-old on Mexican Independence Day weekend and he delighted the wrapt Dallas crowd.
The fight will be shown live on BoxNation, with coverage starting from 1.00am BST.
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Smith has finally got his big fight but despite the pedigree of Alvarez and the fact that, as the champion, Smith is an underdog – Smith insists Canelo is a step onto better things. He rushed out of his corner at the bell to start the fight and instantly opened up on Smith, who did little to cover up. He was willing take some hits while trying to land his knockout right. “I could only use my right hand sparingly”. I always fight the best. “I’m the bigger man, I’m the stronger man, and I’m the world champion”.
