Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and WBO Junior middleweight champion Liverpool England's Liam "Beefy" Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) held the final press conference Thursday afternoon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for their Texas showdown this Saturday night on HBO Pay per view. Kicking things off was the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya.
"It is really my pleasure to bring such an event to the fans. The best fans are here in Texas, " De La Hoya said in opening the press conference.
Dallas Cowboys owner and co-promoter of the fight Jerry Jones also spoke at the press conference.
"This fight with the chief combatants Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith does that. It has its good housekeeping stamp of approval. When I think of the legacy that you have for boxing." Jerry Jones told Oscar De La Hoya. "Saturday night is going to be a triumph. We have sold more tickets than any fight we have had here," Jones added.
Liam Smith and his team were introduced by Box Nation Promoter Frank Warren.
"We have 2 stars compatible for a great fight. I believe Liam will come out the winner," Warren said.
"It's a great fight. Alvarez is a superstar and Liam Smith is the champ and wants to stay champ," Smith's trainer Joe Gallagher said. "We're taking that big banner in front of the stadium home with us back to England," Gallagher added.
The champ followed
"We look forward to climbing up the ladder. Canelo is an elite fighter and this is my chance to step up the ladder," Liam Smith said. "We're here to win Saturday & put on a good show for both my fans and Canelo's fans," Smith added.
Canelo's colorful manager Jose "Chepo" Reynoso briefly talked.
"We ended a tremendous camp. Saturday night you will hear the chant of Viva Mexico! and Viva Canelo!" "Chepo" Reynoso said. "Our goal is to come home with a world title so Canelo can continue writing history," Chepo added.
Trainer Eddie Reynoso also had little to say.
"Well there is not much to talk about. We had a great camp and we ready to win," Eddie Reynoso said.
Alvarez had his final words.
"Not many people know Liam Smith but we know he's dangerous and we've prepared to win," Canelo said. "We know its a tough fight. Come Saturday night we can all celebrate together to win the title. We will have a great night," Canelo added.
Canelo vs. Smith will be a scheduled 12 round championship fight for Smith's WBO junior middleweight title.
Undercard
The fighters featured on the HBO Pay per view under card were on hand as middleweight "King" Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs, 1 NC) of Philadelphia will square off against Willie "El Mongoose" Monroe, Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y. in a 12 round fight for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title in the co-main event.
"I am excited to be fighting in Cowboys Stadium. I'm from Philly... Eagles Cowboys. This is a chance to show the new Gabriel Rosado," Rosado said. "I will bring excitement and entertainment I will bring a KO" Rosado said.
""You've got two warriors ready to put on a show for all of you," Willie Monroe said.
Featherweights 2012 U.S Olympian Joseph "Jojo" Diaz, Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) of So. El Monte, California, and Andrew "El Chango" Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) of Blythe, California, will square off in a scheduled ten round bout for Diaz's NABF title.
"I've had a great training camp & I'm ready to put on an exciting show for everyone," Diaz said. "I am ready to show you all who Joseph Diaz Jr. is," Diaz added.
""Come Saturday night it will be a good matchup. I'm going to leave it all on the line like I usually do." Cancio said.
Opening up the HBO pay per view telecast will be super bantamweights Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico and Luis "Orlandito" Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round fight.
"I am excited for this fight. It will open a lot of doors. Mexico is going to take this victory and we will yell 'Viva Mexico!" De La Hoya said.
"If you want to make some money, bet on me." Del Valle said. "Come Saurday night like Oscar said. there will be fireworks," Del Valle added.
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