Canelo vs Smith Official Interactive Digital Programme

A WELCOME FROM

EDDIE HEARN I

’m delighted to be part of this huge fight to close out 2020 and deliver this opportunity for Callum Smith. ‘Canelo’ is a fearless competitor who constantly challenges himself against great champions, and this will be a thrilling battle for 168lb supremacy.

It’s an amazing fight really. To get two guys at the absolute top of their game willing to go in and compete against each other is fantastic. Callum started his professional career with me, I watched him go through the system – win British, European, World title eliminators and beating the number one in the division against George Groves.

The size advantage is important, but he also has great fundamentals. He has a great jab; he knows how to box on the inside and outside. Can he stand up to the hammer of the Canelo Alvarez bodywork and the ability to fight tall fighters?

You saw it against Sergey Kovalev and Rocky Fielding, for me those guys are

a level below Callum Smith at the moment. He’s in the absolute prime of his career, if he gets it right, I believe you’ll see Callum Smith get a really strong lead in this fight.

When you fight someone like Canelo Alvarez you have to have some pop.

Callum hits hard to the head and body and he’s really smart. I think it just comes to the case of can he handle the pressure and power of Canelo who really has moulded into a true 168-pound fighter.

I can’t wait for the highly anticipated pro debut of Fresno amateur sensation Marc Castro – what a stage to start his journey in the paid ranks on. ‘Ammo’ Williams recorded his fifth KO win from six pro-outings in Mexico City last time out, and the Houston native faces Isiah Jones his home state tonight. New Jersey’s Super-Featherweight talent Raymond Ford has another chance to impress tonight after notching his seventh win last month in Hollywood. ■

Programme Editor: Anthony Leaver Fighter Interviews: Daniel Barnard, Jamie Ward and Scott Hammerton Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Photographs: Ed Mulholland Master of Ceremonies: David Diamante

3

CHASING

GREATNESS

P

ound-for-pound king Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez once again reaches for greatness as he challenges the WBA Super, Ring Magazine and world number one rated Super-Middleweight Smith (27-0 19 KOs), with the recent addition of the famous WBC World title adding more greatness and glamour to an already monstrous fight.

Alvarez (53-1-2 36 KOs) is back in action for the first time since knocking out Sergey Kovalev in November 2019 in Las Vegas, ripping the WBO World Light-Heavyweight title from the Russian to become a four-weight World ruler.

The Mexican superstar beat Smith’s old foe and fellow Liverpool fighter Rocky Fielding in December 2018 to win the WBA regular belt at 168lbs – his third weight to rule at – and will be gunning to follow his domination at Middleweight up to Super-Middle.

“We’re here and always ready for great challenges,” said Canelo. “Thank god we’ve been able to make this fight in 2020. We’re ready to close out the year with a big bang and close it out as a Champion.

“This fight week has been very similar,

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DECEMBER 19 2020

it’s just different when you don’t see the people, flags or everything that surrounds fight week. For the most part, it’s very similar to what I do. I stay in my room, focus and take care of media and press, but it’s very similar I stay focused and get ready for what’s coming.

“I like risk, I like taking risks, taking this fight is a risk.

I’m fighting the number one 168-pound fighter, these

are challenges for me, and I continue to bring challenges forward and I like the risk of it. I like challenges to continue making history.

“We know that he’s [Callum] tall, we also know that he has great boxing qualities so that makes him dangerous.

But with my experience and the level of my boxing we’re ready for this and to continue making history and taking

CANELO VS SMITH

“I LIKE CHALLENGES TO CONTINUE MAKING HISTORY”

risks. This is what I’m here for.

“That’s what we’re here for, a good fight. If an opportunity arises to take him out, then yes, I will take that because fans always like to see this. If an opportunity arises then I will take it.”

‘Canelo’s’ trainer Eddy Reynoso has been by his side throughout his rise to the very top of the sport, and

5

the revered coach says that his charge is ready to create even more history, starting with a win over Smith tonight.

“We’re very excited and want to continue to make history,” said Reynoso. “We want to continue to fight the best fighters. There’s no doubt here that Callum Smith is the best at 168 pounds, and we want to fight the best. We’re ready to fight the best, we’re very excited to be here and see everybody. It’s been tough a year; we’re excited to be back and show we’re the best in the world.”

“The crowd is going to be a lot smaller, however Mexicans are very loud and enthusiastic, so we’ll sound like there’s 100,000 in the crowd. Fight week has been very different, it’s been calm and quiet, we’ve been focused on it and staying in our room. At the end of the day it will be Canelo and Smith in the ring; however, Mexico will be supporting him, and the arena will sound as if there are 100,000 people cheering him.

“It will be an explosive fight, both fighters are explosive, so we’ll see who connects the best. They both like to end their fights with an explosion. What I will say is that we will come into the ring with our hands up high.

“Let’s continue moving forward. Saul is still a young fighter and has a lot to do in boxing and bring to the sport. He has a lot to give, we want to continue making history and this Saturday is going to be huge. Continuing to move forward is the most important thing to us.” ■

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DECEMBER 19 2020

CANELO VS SMITH

MAKE HISTORY ONE ROUND AT A TIME.

CANELO ÁLVAREZ FOUR-DIVISION BOXING WORLD CHAMPION

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Imported Cognac Hennessy®, 40%, 43% Alc./Vol. (80˚, 86˚). ©2020 Imported by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY. HENNESSY is a registered trademark.

MUNDO

C

allum Smith has vowed that he will tonight prove he is the best 168lb fighter on the planet by beating global superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez when the pair collide in the featured attraction at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

‘Mundo’, the reigning WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight ruler has been crying out for an opportunity to solidify his elite-level status and admits there is no better way to do so than by beating Canelo, a victory which would also see him add the vacant green and gold WBC strap to his collection.

The youngest of the famous fighting four Smith brothers, Callum has gone all the way. Working his way through from domestic to World honours. A giant at the weight standing 6’3”, Smith toppled George Groves to win the World Boxing Super Series in Jeddah back in September 2018 which also saw him become only the third SuperMiddleweight along with Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward to hold the prestigious Ring Magazine belt.

The Smith family are no strangers to Alvarez. In September 2016, Callum’s elder brother Liam was stopped in nine rounds by the Mexican. In his quest for vengeance, a win for ‘Mundo’ would go down as one of the greatest for

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DECEMBER 19 2020

any Brit in the history of the sport and despite the odds being against him, the Liverpudlian is not here just to make up the numbers.

“The minute I became World Champion I wanted the biggest fights possible to see if I could compete at elite level.

There is no bigger fight for me than Canelo Alvarez and I’m so pleased to finally get it over the line”, said Smith.

“He’s proved he can fight and so have I. Because of that the styles will come together for a great fight and I’m not in this just to be a part of it, I’m in this fight to win.”

“There’s world level and there’s elite

CANELO VS SMITH

level where Canelo is. I believe I belong there and I’ve been crying out for a fight like this to showcase what I can do and now I have the chance.

I’m very motivated and when I’m motivated I’m very hard to beat.”

Following his WBSS triumph, Smith took out Hassan N’Dam in style last June at Madison Square Garden before battling past British rival and mandatory challenger John Ryder in a tough 12 round clash in his home city of Liverpool.

The first face off pictures between Alvarez and Smith sparked frenzy on social media, with many drawing on the evident difference in height between the pair. The size advantage

9

“AS GOOD AS HE IS HE DOES LOSE ROUNDS AND ISN’T INVINCIBLE” along with that signature catchcounter left hook could be the keys to victory for the underdog who says he has drawn confidence from the Mexican star’s previous outings.

“I never thought Canelo would fight at 168, I’ve always thought he was the best 160lb fighter in the world”, said Smith.

“Kovalev had a lot of success against him and so did Daniel Jacobs. As good as he is he does lose rounds and isn’t invincible. I’ve got to take confidence that I can do everything Kovalev did and more, use my strengths and get the win.”

“I’m not sitting here saying I’m the favourite, I know I’m the underdog with the bookies but I’m a live underdog. I’m world no.1, I haven’t been picked out of a hat and I fully deserve this fight. This is my weight division and if Canelo believes he’s the best he has to beat me.”

“I took this because it’s a fight I know I can win. What better way to end the year than by beating arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. I am fully confident I will wake up on Sunday morning still World Champion.” ■

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DECEMBER 19 2020

CANELO VS SMITH

®

CANELO SMITH KN O CKO U T F L AVO R

VS

DECEMBER 19, 2020

CUBAN

FLASH

A

feted prospect in Cuba, a nation famed for their amateur boxers, WBO NABO Champion and Eddy Reynoso-trained Frank Sanchez has put together 16 straight victories as a professional with 12 of those coming by knockout.

A string of explosive performances have seen ‘Cuban Flash’ emerge as a contender in boxing’s bustling blue-ribbon division and the 6’ 4” powerhouse will be hoping to send a warning to the rest of the Heavyweights that he is very much a threat.

Before turning over, Sanchez wasn’t without merit. Beating the legendary Erislandy Savon to a national title before becoming a pro in the USA. Looking to throw his own name into the Heavyweight mix is Julian Fernandez who represents a stern test for Sanchez having only lost twice at a higher level to Russian KO artist Arslanbek Makhmudov and recent opponent of Tyson Fury, Tom Schwarz.

The 28-year-old from Guantanamo who is ranked in the top ten by the WBO and top 15 by both the WBC and WBA, tonight makes his third outing of 2020 on the undercard of stablemate Canelo Alvarez, an experience he is relishing and a fighter he has shared the ring with in sparring previously.

“It’s a huge card and I have the opportunity to be here and show I’m

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DECEMBER 19 2020

“I’M HERE TO KNOCK OUT MY OPPONENT”

the best. Thank you so much to Saul for that,” said Sanchez.

“I’m ready for huge things, I’m just waiting for the opportunity. I’m just continuing to wait and prepare for the best, I want to be the next superstar out of Cuba.”

“This is what I’ve prepared for, this is why I’m here to knock out my opponent.”

“I feel like I am ready to for fight for titles now, when the opportunities come my way I will show everyone that I’m ready.

It doesn’t matter if it would be against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, if the opportunity is there I will be ready.” ■

CANELO VS SMITH

WILL

POWER

F

ast rising Middleweight prospect Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is rapidly establishing himself as one to watch in a thriving 160lbs division.

Since making his paid debut he has raced to an unblemished 6-0 with five of those wins coming inside the scheduled distance.

Despite being young in the pro game, the Houston talent who turned 24 earlier this year is no stranger to the big shows and bright lights.

All six of ‘Ammo’s’ outings have featured on huge cards and Williams is relishing another opportunity to impress on the big stage in a tough test against Isiah Jones.

“I’m more than happy to be here, I’m extremely excited to be here. I’m super excited to show my pedigree in being here”, said Williams. “I’ve fought in Madison Square Garden, The O2 and in Dallas with a crowd, I’m used to this now.

“I’m being groomed into being a champion and I get to show how much poise I have in a situation like this. How much poise I have on a card like this, and how much growth I have made – especially in the gym.

“I came out of the amateurs and got signed quick because of my dangerous style. Now people will get to see me polish that, you don’t have to watch me grow into a fighter that can finish or sit and trade. I’m extremely excited to show the dangerous Ammo that people have promoted is real and you’ll see me become more dangerous over the course of my career, more fun to watch, skilled and seasoned.” ■

13

RAY OF

LIGHT

N

ew Jersey’s Super-Featherweight sensation Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford has fast become one of the hottest names on Matchroom’s young US roster.

A two-time National Golden Gloves Champion, Ford achieved greatness in the amateur scene against the odds, citing a troubled past growing up in Camden.

Turning pro with Eddie Hearn after exchanging messages on Instagram, the 21-yearold fought five times in his first year as a pro. Despite the pandemic, ‘Savage’ has fought twice this year, most recently in Florida last month when he stopped Rafael Reyes in three.

Ford isn’t short on confidence and will be looking to steal the show when he takes on Juan Antonio Lopez tonight.

“I stay ready,” said Ford. “This hasn’t been the first opponent we had, but not one of them took the fight. I’m going to show people why they didn’t take the fight.

“Fans can expect to see the regular Raymond Savage. Skills. That’s what I bring to the table.

I can do it all. There are not many people that can; give off angles, show defense – you usually just see guys with one style.

“The only thing with me is getting experience.

The more fights I get, the more recognition I get and pretty soon I’ll be on that level and be in the conversation with those elite athletes.

“I feel like I’m a special fighter. The skills I possess in the ring not many people can deal with. I look at my division and the World Champions, I feel like they can’t do anything to me.” ■

15

MAKING HIS

MARC

F

ew fighters have been more unfortunate than decorated amateur star Marc Castro this year who has twice been in line to make his professional debut but never made his ringwalk.

The Fresno native won an incredible 17 national titles and two World titles, leaving the amateur scene with a 177-7 record. Alongside Shakur Stevenson, Castro is the only man to win backto-back youth and junior World titles.

With many promoters on his tail, Eddie Hearn won the race for the youngster’s signature when he penned a promotional deal with Matchroom in February.

Despite testing positive for COVID-19 in August, Castro feels everything has happened for a reason and it has led him to tonight, making his professional bow on the biggest of stages.

“I feel like it’s meant to happen like this,” said Castro. “It’s a big stage and I hope to make a big statement.”

“I try to stay positive the whole time, I don’t look at it as bad luck, but every day is a way to improve. 2020 has been hard for everyone, but I hope to close it off on a good note.

“I can adjust to any opponent, sometimes you have to just stand there and fight. I’ve sparred the likes of Vasyl Lomachenko and Ryan Garcia which taught me a lot.

“The titles will come with the hard work. That’s something I learnt from Canelo. I’ve watched him train and I really value that experience.

“Expect an old school fighter, I come in and do my stuff. I don’t talk too much and just do my job in the ring.” ■

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PICUDITO M

exico’s fast-rising Featherweight hope Alexis Eduardo Molina heads into his four-round contest with Robert Greenwood coming off the back from eight straight wins, with five of those victories coming inside the distance.

The 21-year-old prospect turned professional in February 2018, outpointing his compatriot Brian Rodriguez over four rounds at the Domo del Parque San Rafael in his home city of Guadalajara.

‘Picudito’s’ next six fights would all take place in Guadalajara. His first ever stoppage win came in his second fight when he knocked out Geovanni Lopez in the opening session of their scheduled four rounder.

A month later Molina scored another early finish, again at the Domo del Parque San Rafael, this time taking out Hector Elias Hernandez in three rounds to improve his unblemished record to 3-0 with two knockouts Molina would then face Tlaquepaque journeyman Ivan Ibarra twice before the end of the year, outpointing him with scores of 40-36 on both occasions, firstly in August and then again in November, capping a successful first year in the paid ranks.

Molina saw action twice in 2019 – he picked up the second first round KO of his career against Rafael Herrera Amezcua in March, before stopping Osvaldo Saul Nunez Medina in three rounds in August to keep his momentum going.

His first fight outside of Guadalajara came last month at the Arena JM Boxing, Vista Hermosa de Negrete, where he took out Francisco Emmanuel Gomez Cardenas in the fourth and final round to set up tonight’s battle with Greenwood. ■

19

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12 X 3 MINS WBA, RING MAGAZINE AND VACANT WBC WORLD SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLES

SAUL CALLUM vs ALVAREZ

SMITH

(GUADALAJARA)

(LIVERPOOL)

10 X 3 HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

FRANK JULIAN vs

FERNANDEZ SANCHEZ

(LAS VEGAS)

(TIJUANA)

8 X 3 MINS WELTERWEIGHT CONTEST

CHRISTIAN ANGEL vs GOMEZ DURAN

HERNANDEZ

(GUADALAJARA)

(TEXAS)

6 X 3 MINS SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

RAYMOND JUAN ANTONIO vs FORD LOPEZ

(NEW JERSEY)

(TEXAS)

6 X 3 MINS MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

AUSTIN WILLIAMS vs (TEXAS)

ISIAH JONES (DETRIOT)

4 X 3 MINS SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

MARC CASTRO vs LUIS VALDES (CALIFORNIA)

(TIJUANA)