
Liam Smith: They shouldn’t be calling me a paper champion
Photos: Steven Paston – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
WBO super welterweight champion Liam Smith came face-to-face with challenger Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for a second time at today’s London stop on the two-city Canelo vs. Smith international press tour. ‘Beefy’ puts it all on the line against Alvarez at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on September 17th.
Smith lashed out at those in the US media who have labelled him as a “paper champion,” saying the American press weren’t in a position to comment as he’s never fought Stateside before.
“They’ll know in September that they shouldn’t be calling me a paper champion,” proclaimed Smith. “I haven’t fought out there just yet, but they’ll know why [it’s wrong to call me a paper champion] when I do. I’m going in there to stop Canelo. If I don’t stop him, it won’t be for the lack of trying.”
Alvarez, insisted he will not be underestimating Smith, despite heading into September’s mega-fight as the bookies’ clear favorite (currently 12:1).
“What can I say? Liam Smith is a great champion,” said Canelo. “He’s very strong and he’s very hungry. We’re going to prepare like never before, knowing what we know about Liam Smith. I can assure you this: we’re going to give the fans what they want to see.”
www.fightnews.com/Boxing/liam-smith-they-shouldnt-be-calling-me-a-paper-champion-347721
FOLLOW US
Tweets by WorldBoxingOrgUPCOMING FIGHTS
JR. WELTERWEIGHT Championship
JR. LIGHTWEIGHT Championship
BANTAMWEIGHT Championship
JR. FEATHERWEIGHT Championship
SUP. MIDDLEWEIGHT Championship
HEAVYWEIGHT Championship
BANTAMWEIGHT Championship
JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT Championship
HEAVYWEIGHT Championship
SUP. MIDDLEWEIGHT Championship