Liam Smith is relishing his underdog status against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and believes he is poised to upset the Mexican superstar when the pair meet in Texas, on September 17.
Smith (23-0-1-KO13) will defend his WBO super-welterweight title against Alvarez (47-1-1-KO33) on Mexican Independence Day Weekend at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington.
Despite being the defending champion, Smith has been installed as the underdog, but the 28-year-old says he is not concerned about being overlooked and believes he will shock the boxing world in just over two weeks.
Smith told Sky Sports News HQ: "He [Alvarez] is one of the best talents in the world. He is one of, if not, the biggest names in the sport, numbers wise.
"It is one that I have asked for for a long time and it is one that I feel I am ready for.
"I am happy to be the underdog even though I am champion. I am not stupid; I know I am the 'B' side of this fight. Canelo is the big name.
"This show is probably all about Canelo. It is Mexican Independence weekend, we're fighting at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium and there is talk of Triple G [Gennady Golovkin] versus Canelo next year so this is all about Canelo from their point of view.
"But I am there to put a spanner in the works and that is what I am going to do."
The bout against Alvarez will be by far the biggest of Smith's career to date with upwards of 50,000 fans expected to be in attendance.
Many see Smith as having to lose against his high-profile opponent but that is not his mind-set heading into the fight.
"I have got something to lose," Smith said. "People think I am going there for a pay day or that I am going there to say I fought in front of that many people.
"But I have got something to lose. I am the champion. I have got a title to lose.
"I am going there for one reason and one reason only and that is to make a name for myself and establish myself to the world of boxing."