By Steve Kim

Several years ago in Big Bear, California, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) had a much talked about sparring session at the Summit Gym with Gennady Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs). The two have gone on to bigger and better things and now they meet on September 16th in what is a highly anticipated clash that will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

But the 26-year old Alvarez makes it clear if the opposing side believes they are facing that same kid they did in Big Bear, they will be in for a rude awakening.

"Look, if that's what they're thinking that's a big mistake," he told a group of reporters, through Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz, on Monday afternoon at a public workout that was held for both men at the LA Live. "I don't know why they're even saying that but if that's how they're thinking - good for them. But I'm going to show them September 16th who 'Canelo' Alvarez is."

For Alvarez, who easily out-pointed Mexican rival Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in early May, this is a litmus test of sorts being his first true middleweight fight. But he says - "I've always prepared myself with a lot of dedication and discipline, 100-percent. The difference in this camp versus other camps is the opponent, Golovkin."

Golovkin, who holds the WBC, WBA, IBO and IBF middleweight titles, is a vaunted puncher and perhaps the best Alvarez has faced thus far in his 51 fight career - with his sole loss coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013. 

"Yes, absolutely [he's the best puncher I've faced], I know and we've prepared for that," stated Alvarez.

"We know he's the most dangerous fight to this moment. I've said it but that's what we prepare for. We prepare for that and we also want to show him that on this side there's a lot more to give to."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.