Liverpool's Liam Smith faces the toughest task of his professional career on Saturday night when he defends his super-welterweight title against one of the sport's biggest stars, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, in Texas.
Previously one of Britain's lesser known full world-title holders, unbeaten Smith 23-0-1(13), has been thrown in to the limelight at a frightening speed. Untested at the highest level, Smith goes in to this showdown at Arlington's AT&T Stadium as the overwhelming underdog at 6/1.
The boxing world was thoroughly disappointed when Canelo announced his next fight would be an attempt at seizing Smith's WBO super-welterweight title instead of a lucrative super-fight with Kazakh wrecking-ball Gennady Golovkin, and rightly so.
Advert
Because of the Mexican's reluctance to fight Golovkin, Smith has been somewhat unfairly written off by underwhelmed fight fans as little more than a stepping stone for the challenger Canelo, in his apparent bid to avoid Golovkin at all costs.
Affectionately known as 'Beefy', Smith is a durable fighter and boasts decent size and strength at super-welterweight, as well as a height advantage over his opponent.
The 28 year-old is also a slick fighter. He displays a great level of intelligence in the ring, neat footwork and a solid defence - something you'd come to expect from someone who fights under the tutelage of renowned coach, Joe Gallagher.
Beefy certainly hasn't gone all the way to Texas to just make up the numbers.
Saul Alvarez, 47-1-1(33), is arguably the sport's most marketable star (alongside Golovkin) and a hostile crowd will be awaiting Smith in Texas, especially as the fight falls on Mexican Independence Day.
Advert
Thousands of Mexican fight fans will make the trip across the border and will make the atmosphere as unsettling and intimidating as possible for the Brit.
Alvarez is also somewhat of a veteran. At just 26 years-old, it's remarkable to think that Canelo's distinguished professional career began just short of eleven years ago when he was just 15 years-old.
Canelo is one of the sport's biggest stars for good reason. Aside from his sole loss against the phenomenal Floyd Mayweather, Canelo can count wins against notable names such as Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara, James Kirkland and Miguel Cotto on his CV.
It's also worth considering his record against the Brits that have dared to make the trip over the Atlantic to fight him, with Ryan Rhodes, Matthew Hatton and most recently Amir Khan all failing in their conquests to beat him.
Advert
1/12 favourite Canelo has struggled in some of his previous bouts however, especially against the more elusive fighters.
The Lara and Trout fights were both tougher night's work than he'd have liked, and of course so was his emphatic beating at the hands of Mayweather.
Smith's name may not carry the same weight as some of Canelo's previous opponents but if he underestimates him then he could be in for a shock.
Granite-fisted Canelo hits like a mule, as I'm sure Amir Khan will testify. The red-headed Mexican is also a phenomenal counter puncher and has an exceptional work rate. If he begins to dictate the pace then the champion could find himself behind on rounds early doors.
Advert
Smith's durability will be key in deciding the outcome of this contest. I think it will be a closer than some think but that Smith will fall just short in a competitive encounter.
Expect 'Beefy' to compete valiantly with Canelo for the earlier to middle rounds before the Mexican goes up a gear, stopping the plucky Briton late on. There's definite value in the 2/1 SkyBet are offering on Alvarez winning between rounds seven and twelve.
The 3/1 on offer for Alvarez to win via points is also worth considering too and if Smith can keep up his excellent defence for 12 rounds, it's not beyond the realms of possibility.
Recommended bet: Saul Alvarez to win between rounds seven and twelve 2/1
Advert
