Joe Gallagher compares Saul Alvarez task to Andre Ward and Brandon Rios fights

By Isaac Robinson and James Dielhenn

Saturday 17 September 2016 11:37, UK

Liam Smith’s trainer Joe Gallagher has insisted he is familiar with opposing fighters of Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez's calibre.

WBO super-welterweight champion Smith puts his belt up for grabs against Alvarez, one of boxing's hottest talents, on Saturday in Texas but is regarded as an underdog despite his unbeaten record.

Yet Gallagher - whose stable includes the Smith quartet, Scott Quigg, Anthony Crolla plus more - insists he is accustomed to cornering his men to fight the world's best opposition.

"Paul Smith v Andre Ward, who some people think is the pound-for-pound best, was a tough task," recalled Gallagher in an exclusive Sky Sports interview

"We've been in with tough opposition. John Murray-Brandon Rios, Anthony Crolla-Ismael Barroso last time out.

"We've left no stone unturned. We've done everything that we can do, training-wise. We're in a great place mentally, physically, tactically-wise.

"I feel I've got the right kid with the right tools and the right temperament to go in and do the job on Saturday night. It's another day, what we always do."

Gallagher will lead Smith into battle against Alvarez before immediately aiding Crolla in his defence of the WBA lightweight title against big-punching Jorge Linares, live on Sky Sports on September 24.