Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) has looked sensational as of late and is fresh off one of the most vicious knockouts of the year when he demolished former world champ Amir Khan with a single punch in the sixth back in May. Since losing for the only time in his pro career to Floyd Mayweather Jr. almost three years ago, “Canelo” has gotten better and better and is on the verge of becoming one of the sport’s best fighters pound-for-pound. The boxing world awaits a showdown between Alvarez and ferocious knockout machine Gennady Golovkin but up first is Smith, a live underdog if there ever was one.
Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) is aiming to make the third successful defense of his belt on Saturday. The Liverpool native won it by stopping John Thompson in the seventh last October and he’s already made two quick defenses: last December against Kilrain Kelly (TKO 7) and Predrag Radosevic (KO 2) in June. He’s yet to face someone of Alvarez’s caliber but in order to be considered the best, he’ll have to beat the best.
At Friday’s weigh-ins, both men were on point for their 154-pound matchup. Alvarez, whose WBC middleweight crown will not be on the line, came in looking sharp. The Guadalajara native weighed in officially at 154 pounds. Smith, meanwhile, looked nearly flawless ahead of his biggest fight; “Beefy” came in identically at 154 as well.
The action will begin on HBO Pay-Per-view with three fights before the main event. The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
HBO Boxing Pay-Per-View Weigh-in Results:
Saul Alvarez (154) vs. Liam Smith (154)Gabriel Rosado (159.3) vs. Willie Monroe Jr. (158.8)
Joseph Diaz (125.5) vs. Andrew Cancio (126)
Diego De La Hoya (121.8) vs. Orlando Del Valle (121.8)