Tonight, in Texas, the Liverpool fighter Liam Smith will be defending his WBO light-middleweight belt against the Mexican fighter Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez.
Some 60,000 spectators are expected to file into the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, in Fort Worth, Texas to watch what could be a epic encounter.
Despite Smith being the champion Canelo is the bookmakers firm favourite to win the fight with Smith having the unenviable job of beating a fighter who has a record of 48-1 and who, in his last fight, knocked out Amir Khan in six rounds.
Ahead of the weigh-in there were rumours doing the rounds that Canelo was having trouble making the weight, but as it turned out both fighters weighed in at exactly 11-stone.
Smith, unbeaten in 24 fights, remains upbeat about his chances of pulling off a shock and retaining his belt, remarking to the media at the weigh-in, in comments aimed at the judges,
‘If I win the fight then make sure I get the decision.
‘Give me the respect I deserve. I’m the champion, even though I am the B-side.
‘Canelo’s the big name. It’s Mexican Independence Day, so I know that. But I hope they’ll respect that I’m champion and be fair.
‘I’m not in a situation where I have nothing to lose in this fight. I’ve got a title to lose.
‘I’ve taken this fight because it’s an opportunity to make a name for myself and establish myself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.’
Smith, if he is to hold on to his cherished belt, will have to put up the fight of his life, he mustn?t allow Canelo to stand and deliver his hard shots, he has to keep moving, keep working the jab and target the body of Canelo.
Can Smith beat the Mexican in front of a hostile crowd?
If he does it?ll require an effort of John H Stracey or Lloyd Honeyghan proportions.
Smith Demands respect from the Judges
