By Miguel Rivera

Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (44-1-1, 31KOs) has a lot of respect for the power and dangerous nature of James Kirkland (32-1, 28KOs). The two will fight at a max weight of 155-pounds on May 9th from the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Over 20,000 tickets have already been sold for the HBO televised bout.

Kirkland has been inactive since a December 2013 knockout of previously undefeated Glen Tapia and Canelo has been out of the ring since a July decision win over Erislandy Lara.

There are critics who feel the inactivity and suspect chin of Kirkland are going to provide Canelo with significant advantages, but the Mexican fighter is not underestimating him at all.

"Everything is going as planned. It is different style than before. Now you move to avoid and hit more. There are many rustic things. We must be careful at all times. He has a very respectable punch and in one punch he can end a fight. I consider myself a strong fighter. With our styles it's going to be a great fight. I will be well prepared so there are no surprises," Canelo said to Fox Deportes.

"I want to fight with the best. I want etch my name in boxing history. I am 24 years old. I'm just starting. I have to always be hungry and be responsible in what we do. "