He beat Miguel Cotto for the WBC middleweight crown last November by unanimous decision but dropped the title to step back down in weight class to face Smith. That is what I have prepared for and that is what I have worked really hard for.Liam Smith could upset a anxious Alvarez because he is a good jabber, is fast and also a good body puncher which is to Smith’s advantage since in past fights Alvarez has had stamina problems.
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There have been suggestions that the Mexican could take Smith lightly when the pair lock horns in Texas with Alvarez the odds-on favourite to win on the night.
“In the second round I hurt my right hand, so I had to use my left more”.
Smith (23-1-1) wasn’t the pushover some expected when Alvarez announced the fight instead of meeting Golovkin.
‘I have no regrets, I want that fight and it will happen’. But I am the champion.
“Liam Smith was a resilient fighter, he has tough, has a lot of heart”.
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. I thought he was very strong at the beginning and felt I had to put the body work in. But I am the champion, and just looking back on that, that is one reason why I hope they’ll respect that I’m champion and be fair.
“I’m coming to fight Canelo, and you’re going to be in for a massive shock”. “He’s an accurate fighter with good punch variety and the sparring was what I needed”.
Hackney-born knockout menace Yarde is fast emerging as one of the most promising light-heavyweight talents in the United Kingdom and is now looking to impress American fans with his brutal power and incredible speed on his debut on US soil.
Alvarez came right at Smith to begin the fight with a point to prove, and made it a point to pound Smith’s body and pound it often.
The fight will take place at AT&T Stadium, home to the National Football League franchise the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. The Liverpudlian, however, said: “I know on paper I’m the “B-side” of this fight”.
“Well, I mean, look, it would be very impressive”.
Golden Boy matchmaker Robert Diaz said these fights are effectively preparing Alvarez for Golovkin. “We envision Canelo doing a third fight in 2016 either at or close to the middleweight limit and then a fight (in May) on Cinco De Mayo at 160 before facing Golovkin in the fall”, De La Hoya said.
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Canelo, whose sole defeat in 49 fights was to ring legend Floyd Mayweather in 2013, is rated 1/12 with bookmakers.
