Canelo: I've Always Known What Golovkin Has - And Doesn't Have

Britain's Liam Smith has developed a siege mentality to prepare him for his WBO light-middleweight title defence against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

The undefeated 28-year-old faces the biggest test of his career against the Mexican who has so far succeeded Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao as the world's most popular fighter.

At the 80,000-seater AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Saturday he makes the third defence of his title, and is aware he is widely expected to lose.

It is also Mexican Independence Day on Friday, strengthening the feeling a platform has been built for Alvarez to excel upon.

"I know on paper I'm the 'B-side' of this fight. Canelo's the big name. It's always Canelo, and it's Mexican Independence Day, so I know that," said Smith.

"But I'm the champion, and just looking back on that, that is one reason why I hope they'll respect that I'm champion and be fair. If I win the fight, then make sure I get the decision. Give me the respect I deserve. I am the champion, even though I am the 'B-side' in the fight.

"I'm not in a situation where I have nothing to lose. I've got a title to lose. So I've taken this fight because it's an opportunity to make a name for myself and establish myself as one of the best fighters pound-for-pound in the world.

"My mind is just set on Canelo. And when I beat Canelo, my next fight will be Canelo again, because I know they will throw everything back. They overlooked me, and I know after September 17, the excuses are going to come.

"I know they're going to do what they can to get the rematch again. So my mind will be focused on Canelo, and it will be on Canelo again because I can see what's going to happen."

But on Canelo's end, the majority of the questions during fight week have been regarding a potential mega-match with IBO/IBF/WBA/WBC middleweight champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin.

Canelo was not impressed by Golovkin's fifth round stoppage of Kell Brook last Saturday in London. Brook, moving up from welterweight, was able to connect with a lot of good shots in the contest.

"I'm not worried at all about going to 160-pounds. I'm a strong fighter, I'm a fighter who can adapt to my surroundings. I can't tell you now what I will be like at 160 as I don't know yet. We will see in a couple more fights in how I feel and look. We will see what comes," Canelo said.

"I will say this one more time. [Golovkin's team] need to worry. They need to make something happen. I have always known what he has and what he does not. He had an opponent who moved a little and we saw what we saw. I have never worried about him or others. I just want to create my own history. I have been fighting the best, I am just 26 and have fought in the biggest arenas. I have no regrets, I want that fight and it will happen."