Underdog Smith ready for Alvarez

Liam Smith has developed a siege mentality to prepare him for his WBO light-middleweight title defence against Saul Alvarez.

Britain's Liam Smith has developed a siege mentality to prepare him for his WBO light-middleweight title defence against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

The undefeated 28-year-old faces the biggest test of his career against the Mexican who has so far succeeded Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao as the world's most popular fighter.

At the 80,000-seater AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Saturday he makes the third defence of his title, and is aware he is widely expected to lose.

It is also Mexican Independence Day on Friday, strengthening the feeling a platform has been built for Alvarez to excel upon.

"I know on paper I'm the 'B-side' of this fight. Canelo's the big name. It's always Canelo, and it's Mexican Independence Day, so I know that," said Smith.

"But I'm 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.

"If I win the fight, then make sure I get the decision. Give me the respect I deserve. I am the champion, even though I am the 'B-side' in the fight.

"I'm not in a situation where I have nothing to lose. I've got a title to lose. So I've taken this fight because it's an opportunity to make a name for myself and establish myself as one of the best fighters pound-for-pound in the world.

"My mind is just set on Canelo. And when I beat Canelo, my next fight will be Canelo again, because I know they will throw everything back. They overlooked me, and I know after September 17, the excuses are going to come.

"I know they're going to do what they can to get the rematch again. So my mind will be focused on Canelo, and it will be on Canelo again because I can see what's going to happen."


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world