Countdown to “Canelo” – Smith; Canelo’s Realizes Fight wont be a Walk at the Park
By Francisco Romero. – Former two-division world champion Saul el “Canelo” Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) will go at it again; this time against WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs).
As it has become a tradition the fight will take place on Mexican Independence Day Weekend in one of the biggest sports stages in the world, at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.
The Canelo vs. Smith clash will be a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship.
Canelo is looking at this fight as one that will make history, “Getting to fight at the AT&T Stadium in Texas is a huge privilege for me and my career,” said Alvarez. 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 have trained hard for this match.”
Although Smith is unknown in this part of the country it will be a tough fight for Canelo; Smith is fast and accurate and is a natural at 154 pound, as Canelo had to come down in weight and fights at a lower pace.
“In our training we have taken a huge focus on the opponents fighting style – no matter what size or weight. Analyzing, and breaking down the fighter’s approach is what we go after in the ring,” said Canelo. Just because Smith isn’t very well known in the U.S. doesn’t diminish how tough he is as an opponent. We expect him to be very powerful, and we are training for that.”
Even Canelo’s trainer Jose Reynoso, realizes it will not be a walk at the park, “Liam Smith offers us the opportunity to be at the top. His last eight fights have all been won via knock out. He is a dangerous fighter, “ said Reynoso. Smith has to be doing something right to be able to have such powerful victories under his belt, and that has given us an indicator that he is dangerous.”