Cotto vs Alvarez: Canelo says WBC decision to strip Cotto is irrelevant

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez insists the WBC's decision to strip Miguel Cotto of his world middleweight title will not affect Saturday's fight.

The Mexican (45-1-1-KO32) can still become champion by beating Cotto (40-4-KO33), who was relieved of his crown by the WBC earlier in the week for breaching their rules and regulations.

And ahead of their clash in Las Vegas, Canelo was unequivocal when asked if his approach to the fight had changed.

"Not at all. Ever since we started camp, my focus has been to beat Miguel Cotto. With or without a title, I'm going to beat Miguel Cotto.

"Too many fighters worry about that '0' - being undefeated. They don't take the risks. I prepare for that - I love the risk, I love the challenge and I train for that.

Things happen for a reason and at the right time. I feel very well prepared right now and I'm coming in at the best time possible.

"If you want to be great, you have to dare and that's how you do it; by fighting the best."

Canelo held the WBC and WBA super-welterweight titles in 2013 before losing them to Floyd Mayweather and said the prospect of becoming a two-weight champion excited him.

"It's a great responsibility," he said. "No other Mexican has won two world titles in these two divisions so it's something that motivates me.

"Obviously, things happen for a reason and at the right time. I feel very well prepared and I'm coming in at the best time possible, which is right now."