Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez won't underestimate Liam Smith
Thursday 1 September 2016 10:41, UK
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez insists he is not underestimating Liam Smith as he prepares to challenge for the Briton's WBO super-welterweight title in Texas on September 17.
Alvarez (47-1-1-KO33) faces an English opponent for the second fight in succession after knocking out Amir Khan in devastating fashion in the sixth round of their bout in May.
Smith (23-0-1-KO13) goes into the fight as a heavy underdog despite a run of eight straight stoppage victories that saw him pick up the vacant title by beating John Thompson, before successfully defending it against Jimmy Kelly and Predrag Radosevic.
Alvarez said: "Just because Smith isn't very well known in the US doesn't diminish how tough he is as an opponent. We expect him to be very powerful, and we are training for that.
"In our training we have taken a huge focus on the opponent's fighting style - no matter what size or weight. Analysing, and breaking down the fighter's approach is what we go after in the ring."
The fight will take place on Mexican Independence Day Weekend at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.
Alvarez has proved a huge draw in Texas in the past with 40,000 packing into the Alamodome in San Antonio to watch his 2013 victory over Austin Trout.
The last time AT&T Stadium hosted a fight was Manny Pacquiao against Antonio Margarito in November 2010. 'Pac Man' also defeated Josh Clottey in March 2010 at AT&T Stadium, which drew 50,944.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya says early ticket sales indicate this fight will draw a bigger crowd than either of those contests and Alvarez knows there will be pressure on his shoulders to deliver.
"Getting to fight at the AT&T Stadium is a huge privilege for me and my career," Alvarez said.
"Fighting on this weekend is powerful because it tells the story of Mexicans all over, making a win even more important.
"This fight is going to be historic, from the venue, the title, to the fans who are going to show up. I take all of this into consideration as I train hard for this match."
