Inside Boxing

The sweet science blog from the Los Angeles News Group

Canelo Alvarez, Liam Smith successfully make weight for Saturday’s bout

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Robert Morales

Canelo Alverez (L) and Liam Smith (R) square up during a press conference to promote their fight

Canelo Alvarez, left, and Liam Smith both made weight Friday for their fight Saturday in Arlington, Texas/Photo by Getty Images

Junior middleweight champion Liam Smith of England and challenger Canelo Alvarez of Mexico successfully made weight Friday for their showdown Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (on HBO pay-per-view, $54.99, $64.99 HD).

Smith and Alvarez both tipped the scales at the limit of 154 pounds.

Smith, 28, is 23-0-1 with 13 knockouts. This will be his third defense. Alvarez, 26, is 47-1-1 with 33 knockouts. Alvarez has held titles at this weight and at middleweight.

Promoter Frank Warren says Americans will become fans of Liam Smith

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Robert Morales

Canelo Alvarez, left, and Liam Smith pose after Thursday’s final news conference/Photo courtesy of Tom Hogan Photos, Golden Boy Promotions

Promoter Frank Warren is pumped up about his fighter, Liam Smith, getting a chance to defend his title Saturday against Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) of Mexico at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (on HBO pay-per-view).

Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) has never fought in the States, so he’s unknown to most here. Warren promised this week American fans will jump on Smith’s bandwagon once they’ve seen him fight.

“You guys are going to be great fans of him,” Warren said. “He is coming in as a lion, an undefeated fighter on an eight-fight knock out streak.”

That’s all well and good. But the eight consecutive knockouts haven’t exactly come against top-notch competition. Check out Smith’s ring record and judge for yourself.