On September 17th Canelo Alvarez steps back into the ring at AT&T Stadium (better known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys) to take on Liam Smith. Let’s be honest here folks. No one was really clamoring for this fight. Yet, believe it or not it does have significance. Here are five reasons why Canelo vs. Smith matters.
1. It’s Mexican Independence Day Weekend
This weekend is serious business for Latino fight fans. A tradition started by Julio Cesar Chavez, his relentless style of attack, made this holiday weekend worthy of gathering family and friends together to watch his matches – a legacy that all Mexican boxers strove to live up to. Oscar De La Hoya took up the mantle after Chavez, with fights against Chavez himself, Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins. Yet, since De La Hoya’s reign the dominance of Mexican fighters on this particular weekend has waned. A notion not lost on Canelo, as he stated “getting to fight at the AT&T Stadium in Texas is a huge privilege for me and my career. Fighting on this weekend is powerful because it tells the story of Mexicans all over, making a win even more important.”
2. Smith Is a Hungry & Undefeated Underdog
Liam “Beefy” Smith is no slouch. He is the current junior middleweight champion and at a record of 23-0 he is also undefeated. More importantly, Smith is aware of the importance of this shot, at an open workout he told us “I’ve got the ability to out box him, and put him in his place. Just because the writers and the boxing critics label me as the underdog isn’t my motivation – my family and their support is the only one I need. With this opportunity, I’m hoping for bigger and better fights to come my way.” Bottom line, sounds like Smith is hungry and wants to make a name for himself. What better way to do it than beat Canelo? That can be dangerous.
3. The Canelo-GGG Arms Race
The arms race between Canelo and Genady Golovkin better known as “GGG” has begun. Although the two were supposed to meet after Canelo defeated Miguel Cotto, negotiations broke down and the fight did not happen. Since that point there has been a lot of braggadocio shown on both sides. We suspect all parties involved are doing so to help build up the eventual match up. Yet, know everything Canelo does will be compared to GGG and vice-versa. GGG recently stopped Kell Brook in 5 rounds. So you better believe Canelo will be expected to do the same, if not better. Otherwise scrutiny will abound.
4. Canelo Is Coming Down in Weight
Many may not believe this is a big deal, but Canelo is coming down from middleweight for the Smith fight. Sure, the Cotto and Kahn fights were at catch-weights, so it’s not as significant drop. Yet, Canelo has been know to come in significantly heavier on fight night. Having to cut a few extra pounds can drain a fighter and effect stamina. While we don’t believe it will be a deciding factor in this fight. It is something to be mindful of.
5. A Canelo Loss Means No ‘Big Drama Show’
Perhaps the single most important reason why this bout matters. Momentum is being built for a Canelo vs. GGG showdown. A Canelo loss, however, remote would derail that momentum if not the entire fight. Which means a “no big drama show” as GGG affectionately like to refer to his bouts.
