Arlington, Texas (September 16 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. weighed in at a ready 158.75 lbs this afternoon at AT&T Stadium, while his opponent Gabriel Rosado tipped the scales at 159.25 for Saturday night’s WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title bout. The fight will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

After a tense stare-down, Rosado shoved Monroe, to which Monroe simply smiled at the Philadelphia native.

Below are quotes from the two fighters:

Willie Monroe, Jr.
(On the shove) “Let him do what he does. We have twelve rounds or less to see what he can do. We are going to see what happens.”

“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. I do this for the fans. I am part Cubano, so I have that Latino blood.”

Gabriel Rosado
He was talking some smack, so I will just take care of it. Like a true Latino fighter, I am coming to fight. He is running. He don’t want a war, but that’s what it is going to be on Saturday.”

(On the impact of his trainer, Fernando Vargas) “Me and Fernando Vargas are cut from the same cloth. We come to bring it. We come to bring the pain. That’s what it’s going to be on Saturday.”

New York, NY (9/15/16) – Since turning pro in July 2014, former Ukrainian amateur standout Sergiy Derevyanchenko (9-0, 7KO’s) (32-1 including the World Series of Boxing) has let his fists do the talking for him in the ring, as he has climbed the rankings of the middleweight division at a blistering pace. Already rated #2 in the IBF world ratings, Derevyanchenko has looked absolutely sensational with each passing performance and is honing in on the opportunity to fight for his first world title. Upon hearing recent reports that the winner of the Gabriel Rosado-Willie Monroe Jr. bout this Saturday on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s world title match against Liam Smith, the usually quiet and well-mannered Derevyanchenko couldn’t help but voice his disgust with Canelo.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous. There is no other way to describe it,” said Derevyanchenko. “If you count the loss against J’Leon Love, Rosado is 2-5 in his last seven fights and has been stopped twice in that time. He has nine losses on his record in total. Monroe was absolutely dismantled by Golovkin and has a loss to Darnell Boone. With all due respect to Rosado and Monroe, I would beat them both on the same night. They could have a tag team match against me alternating rounds and it wouldn’t matter. If these are the fighters that you want to face, you should be ashamed to call yourself middleweight champion!”

Derevyanchenko had an astounding amateur career, which saw him compile a 390-20 record, as well as represent his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympics and win a bronze medal at the 2007 Amateur World Championships. Derevyanchenko also competed in the World Series of Boxing, where he posted a 23-1 overall record and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. Derevyanchenko earned the number two ranking in the IBF in his last bout, when he obliterated former middleweight champion Sam Soliman, dropping him once in the first and twice more in the second before the referee mercifully called a halt to the contest. No other fighter had ever dominated Soliman in his career in such easy fashion, and it was only the second time he had ever been stopped.

Canelo’s next bout is tentatively scheduled for December 10, and Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo’s promoter, has said that they would like the fight to take place in New York. Derevyanchenko, who lives and trains in Brooklyn, would love the opportunity to take on the Mexican superstar in his adopted home of New York City.

“I would love to welcome Canelo here in New York, in his NYC debut. This is my adopted home and with his fan base and mine, it would make for a tremendous atmosphere,” stated Derevyanchenko.

Of course, the one fight that the boxing world wants to see is Canelo against GGG. Canelo has made it clear that that fight is not happening next. To this point, Canelo, like so many other middleweights, has done everything to avoid the fight with GGG, frustrating boxing insiders and fans alike. Derevyanchenko, though, is one fighter who is looking forward to and anticipating fighting the middleweight kingpin in the future.

“I would love the fight against GGG in the future. I have known GGG since his amateur days. He is a tremendous fighter and a world champion. Right now, he is the best that there is in the middleweight division, and that’s the crown I am aiming for. To be the best in this division, you have to beat him. I am number two in the IBF right now and GGG has that belt. I anticipate that I will be challenging for that belt in the not-so-distant future, and it would be an honor to share the ring with such a terrific fighter. Beating GGG makes me a superstar, and that’s what I am striving for.”

LONDON (16 September) – World champion Liam Smith believes he is being overlooked in his superfight with Canelo Alvarez and has vowed to cause a huge upset.

The Merseyside light-middleweight puts his WBO title on the line this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation, as he battles the Mexican superstar at the 80,000 seater AT&T Stadium in Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The undefeated Smith, however, feels that he is being unfairly written off and has promised to cause a major surprise by beating the heavy favourite Canelo and is even preparing to rematch him as a result.

“I’m coming to fight Canelo, and you’re going to be in for a massive shock. This fight is me making a name for myself the world over and establishing myself to the world of boxing and not just for British fight fans,” said Smith.

“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,” he said.

28-year-old Smith will be fighting Stateside for the first time and is going in against fan-favourite Canelo, who has lost just once, that being against pound-for-pound legend Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

The British fighter knows he will enter the ring with the odds stacked against him but has asked for a fair shake should the fight go to the scorecards.

“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. 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,” Smith said.

“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 in this fight. 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,” he stated.

Both fighters have an attractive style that is set to make for an explosive affair, with Smith believing that Canelo’s way of fighting is perfect for his approach in the ring.

“This is the fight that if I could pick a style of a fighter, it would be similar to Canelo’s style. I always wanted a Canelo fight, a Cotto fight. A style like that is what I prefer to fight. This fight can only be a great fight. There’s no way the styles will make a bad fight,” he said.

“They gel well, and this is a fight, again, you’re going to see me smile in. Because I smile even when it’s not going my way. I’m not going to not smile because I’m not winning. I’ll smile because I enjoy every minute of this fight.

“Canelo and this fight is right up my street stylewise,” Smith said.

Tonight’s weigh-in ahead of the fight this weekend will be live free-to-air on Sky Channel 437 from 8pm.

Canelo v Smith is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
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Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an action-packed weekend of live combat sports action, including the live prelims for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: POIRIER vs. JOHNSON on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET, a live broadcast of LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 59 on Friday, Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. ET, plus live coverage ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith.

Fight Network will air the live UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: POIRIER vs. JOHNSON prelims across Canada. In featured bouts from Hidalgo, Texas, Mexico’s Gabriel Benitez (18-6) battles American power puncher Sam Sicilia (15-6) at 145 pounds, Mexico’s Augusto Montano (15-2) meets Chicago’s Belal Muhammad (9-1) in a welterweight contest, Brazilian middleweight compatriots will clash when Antonio Carlos Junior (6-2, 1NC) faces Leonardo Augusto Leleco (11-2, 1NC), and Mexican bantamweight Jose Quinonez (5-2) throws down with the “KO King” Joey Gomez (6-1).

Friday’s presentation of LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 59 will air live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the middleweight main event, Trevin Giles (7-0) puts his perfect record on the line against Ike Villanueva (11-7). Meanwhile, Ray Blodgett (10-3) takes on undefeated Jason Langellier (4-0) in a lightweight bout, featherweight Alex Black (10-4) welcomes Japan’s Takayuki Ijima (6-6) to American soil, once-beaten bantamweight Domingo Pilarte (5-1) collides with Cody Williams (10-6), plus heavyweight sluggers Orlando Coulter (6-1) and Jeremy Hardy (4-2) will cross paths. A pair of bantamweight bouts round out the card as Colin Wright (5-2) meets Adrian Yanez (4-1), while Randy McCullough (3-0) looks to extend his perfect mark against Mike Trinh (4-3).

Ahead of Saturday’s live UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: POIRIER vs. JOHNSON prelims, Fight Network presents the live weigh-ins on Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. ET, preceded by the live weigh-ins for Canelo Alvarez vs. Liam Smith at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fight News Now will also feature exclusive one-on-one interviews ahead of Saturday’s HBO pay-per-view event.

ARLINGTON, TX (Sept. 15, 2016) – Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) held their final press conference, today at the great AT&T Stadium, ahead of their highly anticipated showdown that will be aired live on Saturday, September 17, presented by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. The fighting stars were joined by Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner, Bernard Hopkins, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones, Director of HBO Sports Tony Walker, and the full pay-per-view undercard.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s press conference.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This Saturday night-over Mexican Independence weekend-former two-division world champion, Canelo Alvarez will look to reclaim the holiday for all Hispanics fight fans. Many boxing legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez himself have fought over Mexican Independence weekend, which has been a time for all boxing fans to gather with their friends and family and enjoy a great night.

“We are overjoyed to be bringing this fight to all of Canelo’s many fans here in Texas to one of the biggest and most iconic sporting stadiums in the nation-AT&T Stadium, home to America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this certainly couldn’t be truer with this venue for Canelo vs. Smith.
“For this particular fight, the stakes are high and everything is on the line for both Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith, as these fighters seek to establish themselves as the true WBO Junior Middleweight Champion of the world.

“Tickets are still available for purchase and sales have been through the roof, we are already close to 40,000 have been outpacing Manny Pacquaio’s last two fights held at AT&T Stadium, but luckily there are still some available for the Saturday night showdown. So get them while you can by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office.”

JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager:

“I dreamed I was going to spend my days around men and women that could or would be world champions. Men and women who were willing to lay on it all on the line, athletically. I wanted to rub elbows with the top. Oscar the fact that I get to stand with you, have your fighters stand in this stadium chief combatants: Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith, has been a fulfillment on that dream.

“We had Oscar talk to the Dallas Cowboys, and he mentioned that ‘There’s a champion in each of you. You’ll find out when you get ready.’ When I think about the legacy and how you’re moving, you really encourage a whole team; that is not only because of this particular fight, but you really are a leader in this.

“The biggest source of pride for me and one of the our largest dependencies are on the Latino fans. The Cowboys depend on them, and they love boxing, so the cowboys love boxing. Saturday night, will be one of the best-selling boxing events for this stadium and we are all looking forward to an exciting night.”

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“Thank everyone for coming and supporting this great event.

“We know how dangerous and difficult Liam Smith will be. We have not taken him lightly and we know he will come to fight on Saturday.

“But that will make a great night of boxing for Mexicans and boxing fans all over. Hopefully by the end of it, I will have my hand in the air screaming Viva Mexico!”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“Thank you to all of you who are involved in this great event. There is nothing left to say, we’ve had a great camp, and thanks again for all the help and support.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“Thank everyone for coming and attending this great show. We are coming off a tremendous 10 week training camp.

“We have great goals and one is to break the attendance record in a boxing match here at this great stadium.

“This is another opportunity to become a world champion, another opportunity to continue to make history.

“We can’t wait to hear all the people yell at the end of this fight Viva Mexico and Viva Canelo Alvarez!”

LIAM “BEEFY” SMITH, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“Thank everyone, team Canelo and my team for this opportunity. We are very calm about entering this fight.

“Canelo is an elite fighter and this is my chance to go up in the ladder.

“I look forward to Saturday and the show we are going to put on for all the fans.”

FRANK WARREN, President of Box Nation and Promoter of Liam Smith:

“Thank Oscar, Eric, and Robert. Thank you Jerry Jones for the stadium and to the

“Liam is a great fighter, a come forward fighter, he has the style of Mexican brawlers something we call in Liverpool a Scousce fighter. This is a great battle, potentially ‘Fight of the Year.’

“You guys are going to be great fans of him. He is coming in as a lion, an undefeated fighter on an eight-fight knock out streak.”

JOE GALLAGHER, 2015 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year and trainer of Liam Smith:

“This is going to be a great fight, he’s a superstar.

“We know that Saul wants to be a world champion, but Liam is ready to stay that way.”

“KING” GABE ROSADO, Former World Title Challenger:

“I want to thank god for this opportunity, without him noting would be possible and I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I wasn’t spoon fed coming up, but this is a new and approved Gabriel Rosado.

“Vargas and I work well together, he lit up the fighter in me. I know this is a fight, but this is also entertainment. I’m going to bring a knock out on the 17th.”

WILLIE “EL MONGOOSE” MONROE, JR. Former World Title Challenger:

“I come from nothing and I want to thank my team and my brother for everything.

“We worked hard for these opportunities, we gave gone from fighting out of the garage and living off of food stamps and now we are on the big stage. This is one of the biggest stage and I want to thank you all for your support today.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ JR, NABF Featherweight Champion:

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, Jerry Jones, HBO, Adriana’s Insurance and my team for this great opportunity.

“This is the biggest stage in my career, thus far, and I promise all my fans to expect the best from me. I will put on a great fight and show all the fans who Jose Diaz, Jr. is! See you all in two days.”

ANDREW “EL CHANGO” CANCIO, Featherweight Contender:

“Stylistically, it’s a great match up. I am well prepared and I’m thankful for this fight. I am excited to brawl and to showcase myself in front of all the fans at this great stadium.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I am very excited for this opportunity and I am very thankful to Golden Boy Promotions.

“This fight is going to open many doors for me and I can’t wait to give everyone a good show.”

ORLANDO ‘ORLANDITO’ DEL VALLE, Super Welterweight Contender:

“I guarantee you fireworks on Saturday, September 17. I want to thank all my sponsors and my team for this great opportunity.

“The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, rivalry always grantees action, and Fireworks on fight night.

“I know the odds are crazy against me, but encourage you all to bet on me, because I am going to win on Saturday night.”

ARTHUR R. PELULO, President of Banner Promotions:

“Most great fighters enter the ring knowing they’re going to be great fighters and that is who Willie Monroe, Jr. is. He is a very entertaining fighter, a young man who I know as family.

“I know he will be giving all boxing fans a great show this Saturday.

“Eight months ago I was in Manchester, my guy was fighting Liam Smith, challenging him for the vacant title. I figured I was going to win, I was told we are going to win, but my guy was knocked out in the fifth round. And let me tell you, Liam is the real deal. I have been promoting for 30 years, and I have no skin in this, but Liam Smith just keeps coming, he is the real deal. I am not promoting the fight, Oscar is, but Liam Smith took the victory that night and I know he is an intense fighter. Fans will be in for a great fight.”

FERNANDO VARGAS, Former World Champion and Trainer to Gabriel Rosado

“We are excited, ready, Gabriel is a great listener. Starting at 18 and being where he is and his boxuing IQ has improved.

“We’ve worked hard and are ready.”

TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:

“On behalf of Peter Nelson and the staff at HBO, it’s an honor to be a part of so many premiere organizations and to be able to open up this grand palace.

“Thank you Liam and Canelo for taking this challenge and reach in to fans on this great weekend of boxing.”

GREG ALVAREZ, Combative Sports Manager of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

“There’s a lot of work that goes into these fights, to make them all happen. Watch these guys back here, they are great fighters and this is going to be a great event. Let’s buy more tickets and create bigger and better fights.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, “Hennessy. Never Stop. Never Settle,” “Adriana’s Insurance, El seguro que necesitas Al precio que quieres pagar,” “AT&T, mobilizing your world,” and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

WBO World Junior Middleweight Champion Liam Smith came face-to-face with challenger Canelo Alvarez at today’s final head-to-head press conference at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Undefeated Smith (23-0-1 13 KO’s) defends his World Title against Mexican pound-for-pound star Canelo (47-1-1 33 KO’s) this Saturday (17th) live on BoxNation.

Merseyside hero Smith looked calm and relaxed as he vowed to prove his doubters wrong and carve his name in to the history books.

“All I can say is wait and see what happens on Saturday,” said Smith. “Make sure you admit you were wrong and wrote me off without properly judging me or watching my fights. When I turn up on Saturday and put the performance in that I know I have in me then you will realise that Liam Smith is a very very good fighter.

“When you strip him down and forget he is one of the biggest names in boxing, he is a very good fighter but he isn’t out of this world. He’s not the best defensive fighter in the world, he’s vulnerable when he opens up. It will take a good fighter to exploit any weaknesses he has but I am confident I am that fighter.

Mexican superstar Canelo admitted that he was in for one of the hardest fights of his life but promised his fans that they would celebrate together after he took Smith’s belt from him.

“I’ve prepared for a very tough fight against a tough opponent,” said Canelo. “Some people in the U.S. might not know who Smith is yet but I definitely do. He’s a world champion for a reason and the important thing is that I know what he has and what he brings. That is what I have prepared for and that is what I have worked really hard for.

“I love his aggressive come-forward style, I think our styles will gel and we will provide fight fans around the world with an exciting contest. We have had an amazing camp and come Saturday night we can all celebrate together; we are taking home the title!”

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this fight on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.490), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

ARLINGTON, TX (Sept. 14, 2016) – Bringing in the large crowds like he usually does, Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) made his grand arrival Texas at the undercard media work outat the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel and Convention Center today. Alvarez is scheduled to battle Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) in a live 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship at AT&T Stadium this Saturday, September 17 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

In addition to the Boxing’s hottest target, the Canelo vs. Smith undercard strutted their skills as a preview to their performance this Saturday. Vergil Ortiz Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) will be taking on El Paso, Texas’ Ernesto Hernandez (1-3, 1 KO) in a four round super lightweight bout before the pay-per-view undercard commences; Brooklyn’s Sadam Ali (22-1, 13 KOs) strutted his stuff, as he has been pitted against Saul Corral (21-7, 12 KOs) of Agua Prieta Mexico in a ten round welterweight fight and Hector Tanajara Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) will be battling against Roy Garcia (3-19-1, 2 KOs) in a six round lightweight bout; all three fights will be part of the preliminary undercard streaming on RingTv.com, the HBO Boxing YouTube Page and on select pay-per-view providers. Joshua Franco (6-0, 3 KOs) is featured in a six round bantamweight fight against Mexico City’s Brian Bazan (9-2, 6 KOs). Another Brooklyn Native, Zachary Ochoa (15-0, 7 KOs) is scheduled to battle Daniel Montoya (11-4, 8 KOs). Alexis Salazar (7-3, 3 KOs) rumble with Larry Smith (10-28-1, 6 KOs) of Dallas Texas in a six round super welter weight bout. Also a part of the media work out, was London’s Anthony Yarde (7-0, 6 KOs) who will be participating in a six round light heavy weight bout against Michael Mitchel (3-7-2, 1 KOs), kicking off the fight night.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media workout:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former two-time World Champion:

“I always give the best of me for the fans. Texas is special is my second my home, the people are great the fans are great. This is a historic night for me and for boxing and I am very motivated to perform for all the fans at AT&T stadium.

“We have seen footage of Liam Smith, he is a strong fighter and his style of boxing is similar to mine. Both our styles will make a great fight for all the fans on Saturday. He is hard puncher, connects, comes forward and has good combinations. We know he is dangerous and we are not underestimating him.

“I am preparing for a fighter that comes forward, I am ready for anything. We will show the best fight we can for all the fans on Saturday night.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer to Canelo Alvarez:

“Styles make fights and Liam Smith’s style is one that suits Canelo. Canelo likes fighters that come forward he is that type of fighter as well. And these kinds of fights are the ones that are very exciting for the fans.

“I can’t predict what Liam will do in the ring and we can’t necessarily plan for it. We have to be ready for everything. We can have a game plan and if your opponent isn’t letting you execute and you have to adjust.

“A fighter has two hands and both hands can punch. Liam has power and we need to be prepared for that power, whether that comes from the right hand or the left hand.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Alvarez:

“We have been working very hard for 12 weeks, and have been focusing on hand speed and foot work. We have really been working on cutting of the ring and defense.

“Canelo is a very talented fighter, a very complete fighter. He is strong, connects very well and has a great defense. Those skills will be on display on Saturday and show why he is the stronger fighter.

“Liam Smith is a very hungry fighter and throws great combinations. He is strong aggressive fighter and that style suits Canelo.

“I have worked with Canelo for a long time, have had the opportunity to see him grow as a person and as a fighter. He is a humble person who is very serious about the sport and the people love him. He is dedicated to his fans and trains very hard to make sure he gives them great shows.”

SADAM ALI., Former two time Welterweight Champion:

“I think it’s great to be back on a big stage. Last time it didn’t work out as planned, but I just have to work my way back up. I got caught with a good shot and I take nothing away from my opponent, he was the better man that night. It was back to the drawing board for me and now I’m back and ready to fight again.”

HECTOR TANAJARA, Welterweight Contender:

“As an amateur, I qualified for the Olympics, but became injured. However, I received about eight national titles and have traveled all of the world.

“Being signed with Golden Boy Promotions by former World Champion fighter Oscar De La Hoya, is something I’ve always dreamed of, and since I saw De La Hoya fight Vargas-he’s been an inspiration for me to follow in his footsteps and have a great professional career like he did.

“I know my opponent is aggressive, so this should be a very action-packed fight for me. I hope to fight two or three times more this year.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, Bantamweight Contender:

“It’s a great feeling to be fighting in Texas for the first time, because all of my fans will be coming out to see me. Being from Texas, when I fight out in California, not all of my friends and family can make it, so this gives them an opportunity to watch me.

“It feels amazing to be a part of such a huge event like this, I’ve always dreamed of this and someday being a part of it.

“I’ve been training hard, like always, and hopefully this fight will be an easy one. I want to thank all my fans for their continued support.”

VERGIL ORTIZ JR, Lightweight Contender:

“It’s my second fight so to fight on such a big stage is great. My opponent’s record is 1-3,all ending within the first round so I know I have to be careful but I’m confident I will get the win.”

ZACHARY OCHOA, Superlightweight Contender:

“During this training camp, I’ve been focusing more on my body shots and landing my punches to look for the right punches-not throwing just to throw-but pacing myself.

“It makes me feel great to be a part of such a big event because it pushes and motivates me to perform event better.

“I know my opponent is tough-all Mexican fighters are tough, but I’ve come in and have been preparing myself well and doing everything I need to be doing in the gym. My weight is good, and I just want to get in the ring, have fun and be impressive for all of the fans coming out.”

ANTHONY YARDE, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m excited to be here. With my past, being on this stage I have an opportunity to inspire people and that means a lot to me.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, “Hennessy. Never Stop. Never Settle,” “Adriana’s Insurance, El seguro que necesitas Al precio que quieres pagar,” “AT&T, mobilizing your world,” and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Dynamite-punching light-heavyweight talent Anthony Yarde (7-0, 6 KO’s) will fight over six rounds against an opponent to be confirmed on the undercard of Liam Smith’s blockbuster World title defence against Mexican pound-for-pound star Canelo at the iconic AT&T Stadium this Saturday.

The red-hot Ilford demolition man has made an explosive start to life in the paid ranks, blasting out six of his first seven opponents via devastating knockouts, and will now look to announce himself to American fights fans in front of a packed out AT&T Stadium.

Hackney-born knockout menace Yarde is fast emerging as one of the most promising light-heavyweight talents in the UK and is now looking to impress American fans with his brutal power and incredible speed on his debut on U.S. soil.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to joining such a huge card,” said Yarde. “This is the kind if stage where I can showcase exactly what I’m made of. I want to reach the very top of the fight game and fighting on a massive show like this will give me a taster of things to come; this is the level I want to reach.”

“It’s going to be an amazing show, fight fans across the world are looking forward to watching Canelo take on Smith and I’m excited to be part of it. Fighting at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in front of a sell-out crowd will be special.

“To get to where I want to be I just need to keep on doing what I’m doing. As always I’m putting the work in in the gym and gaining more experience with each and every fight. Saturday can’t come soon enough and I’m going to give an unforgettable performance.”

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this fight on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.490), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

ARLINGTON, TX (Sept. 13, 2016) – Kicking off fight week on a high note, Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) hosted a media work out at the Texan Resort and Convention Center ahead of his highly anticipated debut in the United States when he takes on former two-division world champion, Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) in the home of the Dallas Cowboy’s, AT&T Stadium this Saturday, September 17. The fight is presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Fightersfeatured on the pay-per-view undercard of Canelo vs. Smith were also part of the media workout in front of local fight fans. Philly’s “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs, 1 NC) and former world title challenger Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe, Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y. who will be facing off in a in a 12-round middleweight bout for the WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Title were in attendance today to show off their boxing skills for the media. Also in attendance today, 2012 U.S. Olympian and current NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs), and Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) who will face each other in a 10-round fight. Also, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion, Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, and Bayamon, Puerto Rico’s Luis “Orlandito” Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs) were part of the day’s festivities as they prepare to face off in a 10-round fight opening up the pay-per-view broadcast.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media workout:

LIAM SMITH, WBO World Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“I know Canelo is a very accurate puncher and has a great deal of variety in the ring. This training session we did an open sparring session, and I got to work with Kell Brook to prepare. Canelo isn’t a full light middleweight like I am, and that’s to my advantage. It feels very good to be on this big stage, and it’s one that I have asked to be on.

“I am going to show everyone that I can fight at a high magnitude and hopefully I’ll gain some more fans once I beat Canelo. Looking back at his last fight, I think Canelo’s attitude was thinking that he was going to grab the knock out sooner or later, and he wasn’t willing to box. I won’t let that be the case this fight because I’ve got the ability to out box him, and put him in his place. Just because the writers and the boxing critics label me as the underdog isn’t my motivation – my family and their support is the only one I need. With this opportunity, I’m hoping for bigger and better fights to come my way.”

“Despite my gym being owned by Amir Khan, I haven’t talked to him about the fight because what he can do well, I can do well, and what Amir failed to do in the ring, I will not fail to do. I have my own skill set that I can excel in. I’m comfortable going toe to toe with Canelo, and let that be a warning to him come Saturday.”

JOE GALLAGHER, 2015 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year and Trainer for Liam Smith:

“Training camp has been great, we have been sparring with world champion partners, specifically Kell Brook and others. It was an easy decision to say yes to Canelo – the name was already in the books before the Khan fight, and this was the fight that we wanted.

“We are full heartily confident in what we have come to show the crowd. Smith is a serious threat. Liam Smith can box from the outside, he’s a great counter puncher, can fight from the inside, has great shots from the inside, and has a great temperament. These are some of my favorite characteristics of Liam Smith. I think he might shock a lot of people in just how great he is come Saturday night.”

“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, Former Middleweight World Title Challenger:

“I am excited to be in Dallas – what fighter can say that they have fought in the Cowboy’sStadium – and I am excited to be on the Canelo versus Smith card. Training camp has been good and I am feeling powerful knowing that I am going to put on a great show for everybody.

“I feel like Monroe disrespected me, and he will see what I think about that in the ring. I am going for the knock out once I step on the mat. This fight has the potential to leave a huge mark on my career, and once that final bell rings, there will be even more opportunities and fights waiting for me. This one is for all the Puerto Rican and Mexican fight fans who have shown me a great amount of love and respect.

WILLIE MONROE JR., Former Middleweight World Title Challenger:

“It’s going to be a fun night this September 17. I am ready to get in and brawl. It’s a privilege to be under one of the biggest HBO cards of the year. Going up against Rosado will be interesting, and I am ready to see what he brings into the ring.”

“The fans can expect an exciting night of boxing, will go out and show them the best Willie Monroe, Jr.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“I am at 110 percent right now, and my confidence levels are through the roof. I feel like no one can beat me. I feel like I’m at my best, and come Saturday night, I’m going to show the fans that I’ve got what it takes to be at the very top. If fight fans want to see a fighter who has the speed, who has the power, the guy who has the ability to fight at the right angle, they need to tune in on Saturday night.

“I am fighting someone who wants to pull an upset, and I won’t let him have it. This is the fight of a lifetime for me, and hopefully come Saturday, I’ll take it all. I’m ready for this opportunity, and I am ready for this chance – I’ve been ready since I was a little kid when I used to dream about this – and I can’t wait to showcase what I’ve got. Being under a big card run under a Promotions company like Golden Boy hasn’t unfocused me – it’s just another fight. I know what it’s like to have millions watching when I fought in the Olympics and I’ve fought on an HBO Canelo card before and I know what mentality you need to have to be in the ring in those situations. Once I go into the ring, the only person I will be focused on will be Andrew Cancio.”

ANDREW “EL CHANGO” CANCIO, Featherweight Contender:

“I am ready for this fight in every sense of the word. We’ve been putting in hard work. Jojo is a very sharp in the ring, and a very slick fighter, but we have been training to prevent any surprises in the ring. If we have to go the distance, we will. I am trained to make it all ten rounds.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to be fighting on the Canelo vs. Smith undercard at AT&T Stadium. The way the fight got put together was a complete blessing. Come Saturday night, we’re going to go in there looking for a war.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion:

“It’s a very important fight this Saturday, and I have to take advantage of it. This fight hasthe potential to open so many doors, and we are going to show how hard we have trained for this. This is my biggest stage, and we are going to leave it all on the mat. We know that Del Valle is a fighter with a lot of experience, but we are expecting a knock out come Saturday night. We have worked extremely hard, and we are hoping to represent the Mexican community and show off our pride in the ring.”

LUIS “ORLANDITO” ORLANDO DEL VALLE, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I love the Mexican community – they are the most humble and welcoming people. I remember when I visited Mexico for the first time, and I felt at home. While the Mexico Versus Puerto Rico matches are always heated, I have a deep respect for the Mexican Public.

“I am going to leave the ring with a victory under my belt on September 17 without a doubt. Not being the favorite doesn’t affect me at all. I have had many experiences in which things have not gone the way we anticipated, however those setbacks have brought me to this stage I stand on now, and the opportunity to further my career. This is my destiny, and I’ll prove that this Saturday.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, “Hennessy. Never Stop. Never Settle,” “Adriana’s Insurance, El seguro que necesitas Al precio que quieres pagar,” “AT&T, mobilizing your world,” and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

NEW YORK, September 13 – With less than a week to go before the Canelo vs. Smith fight on Saturday, September 17, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Tecate, the fight’s presenting and exclusive beer sponsor, has descended on the Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) Metroplex through a series of digital and physical activations to bring fans 21+ closer to the international mega fight and celebrate Mexican Independence Day Weekend.

Fighting on Mexican Independence Weekend, a date reserved for some of the most recognizable fighters in boxing history: Julio Cesar “J.C.” Chavez, Sr., Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Marco Antonio “Baby Face Assassin” Barrera Erik “El Terrible” Morales and “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya; now former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) will reclaim the historic weekend for Hispanic fight fans when he faces off against WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs). The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 17 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT.

Today, fight fans 21+ looking to get closer to the fight before and during the bout, can gain access to exclusive pre-fight training content and come fight night, feel one of Canelo’s power punches through their smartphone with the popular boxing app, Tecate Bold Punch. The immersive app, which debuted on iOS in May, is now available for Android. Tecate Bold Punch is the perfect second screen companion for the faceoff featuring five unique types of content as demonstrated here:

Punches – Don’t just see the punches, feel them. Every time Canelo lands a bold punch, your phone will vibrate to reflect the bold intensity of the match.
Behind-the-scenes-video – Live streams and exclusive pre-fight locker room content.
See Fight – All of the ways to see the fight – from where to buy tickets to how to watch the fight, how to purchase the HBO Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT
Tecate – Check out the latest national television campaign featuring Canelo and the brand’s iconic black eagle.
Fighters – A quick tale of the tape that highlights the fighters’ important stats ahead of the fight.

“You can’t just go big in Texas! Therefore, we’re going big nationally to bring fight fans closer to the ring while fueling Canelo’s crossover to the US market through extensive broadcast, retail and digital promotions,” said Felix Palau, Vice President, Tecate. “From the moment fans step off the plane at DFW or if they’re viewing with friends and using our Bold Punch app as a companion experience across the country, Tecate will instantly emerge you into the fight.”

“Boxing and Tecate go hand in hand, which is why we are thrilled to be giving the fans an exclusive inside look to the Canelo vs. Smith fight with the Bold Punch app,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Over Mexican Independence Day weekend, Tecate will be the fight fan’s ultimate guide to all of the action-packed festivities and behind-the-scenes content during the fight.”

From Monday, September 12, in DFW and nationally, Hispanic broadcasters including Univision, UniMas, Telemundo, Fox Deportes, NBC Universo, ESPN Deportes and many others will air the Tecate branded commercial “Flashy” featuring Canelo and driving consumers to buy the HBO Pay-Per-View®.

On Friday, September 16 at 2pm CST, the Tecate Fan Fest will open to the public inside the AT&T Stadium’s East Plaza and feature branded consumer experiences including celebrity autographs and photo opportunities with current and past boxing legends, an Oscar De La Hoya meet & greet and the ability to measure your best punch against Canelo’s through the Bold Punch Challenge where a consumer’s punch power is measured through digital impact and laser sensors.

Friday night will conclude with the Tecate Born Bold Champions Chat hosted by award-winning boxing journalist Dan Rafael, and broadcast live on the Bold Punch App, RingTv.com and Golden Boy Promotion’s Facebook Page from 6-7pm CST featuring an entertaining debate with Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, the timeless Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner Bernard Hopkins, the greatest boxing analyst of all time, Larry Merchant and very special guest, Jerry Jones.

Tecate’s 21+ national consumer opportunities continue with thematic point-of-sale activations across more than 4,000 off-premise and 200 on-premise accounts driving beer trials; a text-to-win competition for 3,300 instant win prizes including limited edition Canelo + Under Armour + Tecate branded fight gear; the popular, national, no purchase necessary mail-in-rebate program; and the brand will be prominently featured on Canelo’s trunks, at the center ring, around the mat and throughout the fight.

For additional details on Tecate’s “Born Bold” campaign, the sponsorship of Golden Boy Promotions’ fights, or to speak with a Tecate Light representative about the brand, please contact BRAYA at HUSA@BRAYAUS.com.
Tickets for Canelo vs. Smith are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN NV, the world’s most international brewer. Core brands imported into the U.S. are Heineken®, the world’s most international premium beer brand, the Dos Equis franchise, the Tecate franchise and Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders. HEINEKEN USA also imports Amstel Light, Newcastle Brown Ale, Red Stripe, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions, Joseph Diaz, Jr. vs. Andrew Cancio is a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hennessey, Adriana’s Insurance, AT&T, and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTv.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT on HBO Boxing YouTube page and select pay-per-view channel providers; with the four fight pay-per-view card produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and also available via live stream on www.goldenboyppv.com beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 12, 2016) – With September being National Hispanic Heritage Month, former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) will take back Mexican Independence Day weekend for Latino fight fans in his upcoming battle against WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs). Reclaiming the distinctive weekend is a greater symbol of the arrival of Canelo Alvarez to the very top of the sport, as the last Mexican fighter who owned the action-packed weekend was Golden Boy Promotions’ Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya.

The prized Mexican Independence weekend was a tradition started by the legend himself, Julio Cesar Chavez. Chavez’s relentless Mexican style of attack is what made holiday weekends worthy of gathering family and friends together to watch the matches – a legacy that all Mexican boxers strove to live up to. That legacy was officially passed on to Oscar De La Hoya in a career defining match on September 18, 1998, where De La Hoya met with Cesar Chavez in the ring for the WBC World welterweight title. From that point on, the “Golden Boy” was in charge of headlining on the two biggest dates for the Latino fan base – Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo weekends.

Though some of boxing’s biggest and most talented fighters come from all over Latin America, the September 17 weekend is not just for Mexican fight fans – but all Latinos who share a passion for boxing.

Here is what Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya and Latino Fighters of the Canelo-Smith card had to say about fighting on the historic weekend:

Canelo Alvarez, Former Two-Divison World Champion

“Getting to fight at the AT&T Stadium in Texas is a huge privilege for me and my career. Fighting on this weekend is powerful because it tells the story of Mexicans all over, making a win even more important. This fight is going to be historic; from the venue, the title, to the fans who are going to show up – I take all of this into consideration as I train hard for this match.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Mexican Independence Day has always been a huge weekend in boxing. Boxing’s biggest giants have all fought on the historic weekend, and to have a talented Mexican boxer like Canelo Alvarez take it back for the Latino community is amazing, and a huge win for us Latinos, especially as we enter Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Some of my biggest fights were held on the historic Mexican Independence Day weekend – from Julio Cesar Chavez, Bernard Hopkins to Shane Mosley and Felix Trinidad just to name a few. I remember the fights I had in the ring on this historic weekend; the emotions, pride, and excitement from the crowd becomes contagious and gives you the fuel needed to give a top level performance.

“Fight fans should expect a night of explosive talent on September 17, as these fighters will be stepping on to the mat with thousands of fanatics cheering them on, representing their Latino roots. It will be a night that Latinos will be proud to see someone like Canelo representing them in the sport, an event no Latino should miss. This is our turn to dominate boxing once again.”

“King” Gabriel Rosado, Former Middleweight World Title Challenger:

“I’m proud being Latino from Puerto Rican heritage. I grew up speaking Spanish. My culture is a way of life, it’s who I am.
“Fighting on Mexican Independence Day is an honor for me. I have a big Mexican fan base! So I’m looking forward to putting on a show in Texas. I think that’s a very big date for Boxing. To headline a card itself it’s a huge deal, but doing it on Hispanic heritage month it’s a bonus. I admire and look up to the most is Roberto Duran. He came from nothing like many other fighters do, and had a legendary career. I try to take his aggressive smart pressure. He was a master at breaking down his opponents.

“September 17 fans can expect a hungry warrior willing to do whatever it takes to be victorious! I want to give the fans a Knock Out win…Team KGR is working hard!”

Willie Monroe Jr, Former WBA-NABA and WBO NABO Middleweight Champion:

“It’s big to me because I have Cuban blood. To have Independence in a country like America, It makes you proud to have Latino Independence. I remember, Chavez, Canelo and even Mayweather having big fights on this weekend. I love Guillermo Rigondeaux, Felix Trinidad and ironically Fernando Vargas – since I am now fighting his pupil, Gabriel Rosado.

“I plan on headlining Cinco de Mayo weekend next year. What would be a better fight then me and Canelo? I hope Canelo calls me into the ring after he fights.”

Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“Knowing that September is Hispanic Heritage Month makes me feel more confident to go out there and be the best I can be for my people! It’s an honor fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend. A lot of great fights have been on this special day, and I’m ready to put everything on the line to give the fight fans another fight to remember.

“Hopefully one day I can be a main event fighter on Mexican Independence Day weekend. This would mean a lot to my career because it’ll show everyone that I can be the next big Mexican American star. I admire Oscar De La Hoya Canelo and Chavez Sr. as these great fighters have done a lot for the sport and are great at it. I hope to be as good as them one day.

“Fight fans can see a very determined Joseph Diaz that is going to give it his all for all the fans tuning in. Especially, because it’s Mexican Independence Day. I will be ready for whatever my opponent brings to the ring.”

Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I am proud to be Mexican-American every day. I appreciate that in the United States we dedicate a month to celebrate Hispanic heritage and Mexican independence.

“I am glad to be part of such a big event. As a Mexican-American fighter, it was one of my goals to one day fight on this stage and now I am here and will make the most of it. One of my favorite fights on this weekend is Oscar De La Hoya v. Fernando Vargas. I would like to one day headline such big events in boxing. At this point in my career it would be a great accomplishment to headline any big event in my career. Some of the fighters that I admire are Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Erik Morales. What I like about them is their versatility. They could brawl, box, and counter punch. As I develop as a fighter, I try to implement some of their techniques that fit my style.

“The fans can expect a war. It will be a fight to be remembered during the Mexican festivities. I will leave it all in the ring. I guarantee it. I am here to win to move to bigger things.”

Diego De La Hoya, WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion:

“September is the month of our independence, fighting away from my country in this special date makes me want to make my Mexican people proud. I know Mexicans will be very excited to watch all the Mexican fighters that day.

“Like I have said before, it’s going to be a very intense fight, but I feel ready. One of my favorite fights I watched that was on Mexican Independence Day weekend was Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Hector Macho Camacho because of the rivalry between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.

“It would be something very great in my career being the main event on a Mexican Independence Day weekend, and even more representing my hometown city Mexicali. Like all Mexican fighter our idol Julio Cesar Chavez, gave a lot of accomplishments to our Mexican boxing fans and there will never be someone like him, because his style is unique.

Luis Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“It feels incredible to fight on this weekend. The Hispanic community is like a big family. There’s nothing like being a part of that community and the celebration of our heritage. That sense of pride gives me HUGE motivation. Feels great to be a part of the event and celebration.

“My favorite Mexican Independence Day Weekend fight has to be Felix Trinidad vs. Oscar de la Hoya in 1999. It was a huge celebration that weekend for my beloved Puerto Rico. I’ve already headlined an event the night before the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York and that was a huge accomplishment and honor. I am looking forward to doing it again on a bigger stage.

“Fighting in Texas during Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day weekend will be a great platform!

Felix Trinidad. Just an amazing fighter and a role model. He is my favorite fighter, I love everything about him.”

Eddie “E-Boy” GomezIBF North American Welterweight Champion:

“It makes me feel proud to be Hispanic and proud that I’m able to step in the ring and represent Hispanic heritage my country and all Hispanics around the world. I feel very happy and motivated to be fighting on such a big weekend in the history of boxing.

“My favorite fight held on this big weekend from the past would have to be De la Hoya vs Vargas. I would love to fight during Hispanic heritage month/weekend especially since I’m from Honduras. I would like to represent my country while being the first Honduran world champion, being giving the opportunity to showcase my talent and represent for my country during Hispanic heritage month would mean the world to me.

“I admire Roberto Duran and Oscar de la Hoya. I like how they represent their heritage. They put their country high and represent where they’re from each time they step foot in the ring.”

Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr.Lightweight Contender:

“I’m proud to be Mexican American and proud to represent my heritage every time I step in the ring. Fighting on arguably the biggest weekend in boxing is an honor for me and gives me motivation to one day headline my own cards in San Antonio on this weekend.

“My favorite fight from this weekend has to be De La Hoya-Vargas. Nothing compares to that type of rivalry and that type of atmosphere on such a big stage. I would love to headline an event on this weekend. Not only headline such a big card, but make sure I headline it in San Antonio. Without a doubt my two favorite Mexican fighters are “Finito” Lopez and Erik Morales. Finito’s flawless style and Morales’ charisma and heart are what stand out the most to me.

“The fans can expect a great show this weekend from me. This is my first pro fight in Texas and I want to make it a memorable one.”

Joshua “El Professor” Franco, Bantamweight Contender:

“I’m proud to be Mexican American and proud to know that that our heritage is represented well during the two biggest weekends in boxing. One fight that stands out from this weekend’s history is Vargas De La Hoya. That’s still one of my favorite fights ever even though my family and I were big Fernando Vargas fans.

“I’m very happy Golden Boy gave me the chance to fight on Mexican Independence Day weekend. I’m working even harder to showcase my skills in such a big event. It’s every Mexican or Mexican American fighters dream to headline a card during this weekend in boxing. It’s a great tradition that I one day hope to leave my mark on as well.

“My favorite Mexican fighters are Marco Antonio Barrera because of his calm demeanor but relentless style in the ring. Julio Cesar Chavez because of the way he put pressure. It was an all action type style but he had great reflexes and a great defense. Fernando Vargas. He accomplished a lot at such a young age and never backed down from any other top fighter.”

Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa, Super Lightweight Contender:

“Hispanic Heritage Month makes me feel more thankful for my family and ancestors that led the way for us to be here in the US and express our culture! I feel moved and excited to be in an atmosphere so electric.

“Canelo-Mayweather was my favorite fight held on the Mexican Independence Day weekend because that same day my nephew was born. So I went from the hospital to running home to watch the fight.

“I would love to one day headline an event this big or bigger on an important month like this. Accomplishing this would mean a lot to my career, opening many doors to new opportunities and more fans.”

Alexis Salazar Super Welterweight Contender:

“I am proud to be Mexican, representing Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. I remember growing up and watching Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez as some of the heaviest hitters and the biggest combatants.

“To be able to fight on the special weekend – especially as a Mexican fighter, it would be a dream come true. I admire Canelo Alvarez for his discipline, for all his accomplishments despite his young age, and over everything the value he has representing Mexicans, especially those from Jalisco.”

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions, Joseph Diaz, Jr. vs. Andrew Cancio is a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hennessey, Adriana’s Insurance, AT&T, and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTv.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT on HBO Boxing YouTube page and select pay-per-view channel providers; with the four fight pay-per-view card produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and also available via live stream on www.goldenboyppv.com beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 7, 2016) – Fighters featured on the undercard of Canelo vs. Smith today hosted a Los Angeles media workout at City of Angels Boxing ahead of their upcoming fights on September 17, 2017 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

As the co-main event to the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith, “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs, 1 NC) of Philadelphia, will face former world title challenger Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe, Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y. in a 12-round middleweight bout. Also on the televised undercard, 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) of So. El Monte, Calif. will defend his NABF Featherweight title for the second time in a 10-round fight against one of the hardest punchers and most experienced fighters in the division, Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs) of Blythe, Calif. Opening up the Pay-Per-View telecast, rising star Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, will face off against Luis “Orlandito” Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round fight. Also featured on the non-televised undercard, Vergil Ortiz (1-0) of Dallas, Texas will take on Ernesto Hernandez (1-3, 1 KO) of El Paso, Texas in a Lone Star state four-round super lightweight battle.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media workout:

“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, Former Middleweight World Title Challenger:

“It’s great training with Fernando. We are comfortable with each other now. The chemistry was always there but it takes awhile to get familiar with the trainer. Having already trained for two fights together helped us prepare for this big opportunity. Everything is flowing.

“I think Monroe is a decent fighter but I’m going to show that he is not on my level as far as experience. I think I’m a young veteran. I’ve beat top names and lost to top names but I’m bringing more to the table.

“The fans have always supported me. They are always showing love. My shirts sell everywhere around the world. I think that shows when you put your all into it and give the fans their money’s worth, they are going to support you regardless. I think it’s overrated to protect that ‘0’, stacking the record. If you’re fighting good competition and putting on good fights, they’ll show you love.

“Originally I was supposed to fight Billy Joe Saunders in a world title fight on this card. I was very excited. Fernando and I started camp right away. Things, for whatever reason, went south with that fight and Golden Boy gave me options on who to fight I next. Once we changed the opponent, we got focused on someone else.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“Thank you to Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this great opportunity. I know that this is my time to shine and showcase my skills and prove to everyone that I can be the next superstar in boxing.

“Andrew Cancio is a dangerous fighter. He is very strong. His last two fights he’s proven he has that power to knock opponents out. I know I have to be cautious but I’m going to brawl with him and show him my power. I’m going to push him back; he’s not going to push me back. My team and I are coming in with a good game plan. I’m a whole different person. I feel stronger inside the ring. I feel like I have the speed and ability. I’m ready 110 percent for this fight.

“It’s going to be a dream come true fighting at AT&T Stadium in front of hard-core boxing fans. I’m going to go inside the ring and do what I do. I’ll take care of business on September 17. This will be the biggest fight of my life and I’m going to go in and show everyone how hard I’ve been training for this fight.

“If everything goes well and I don’t have any injuries, I look forward to fighting one more time this year.”

ANDREW “EL CHANGO” CANCIO, Featherweight Contender:

“Training camp has gone well. We’ve been putting in hard work. Jojo Diaz is a very sharp and slick fighter but I’m ready for him.

“I was shocked when I got the news I would be fighting on the Canelo vs. Smith undercard at AT&T Stadium. This opportunity is a blessing. We’re getting ready for September 17.

“We’re going to go in there looking for a war. If it takes 10 rounds, then it takes 10 rounds.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I’ve been super focused this training camp. I won’t let this moment slip away because I recognize the value and open doors this can get me. I have a tough opponent. Puerto Rico versus Mexico is always a shown down, but this is what we have been training for, and we should be ready for anything in the ring.”

VERGIL ORTIZ, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“This is my second professional fight and the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m excited to be able to put my name out there for folks to recognize me. My opponent has a potential knock out power, so I have to be careful in the ring. I’m ready to go, and this is only the beginning.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, “Hennessy. Never Stop. Never Settle,” “Adriana’s Insurance, El seguro que necesitas Al precio que quieres pagar,” “AT&T, mobilizing your world,” and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

What does Liam Smith provide in term of helping Canelo to get ready for a potential fight with GGG? As a promoter, what do you tell boxing fans that wanted to see Canelo-GGG instead of Canelo-Smith?

“Well, first of all, Canelo takes every fight seriously and never looks past anyone. Liam Smith is an undefeated fighter, the WBO Junior Middleweight Champion of the world, has knocked out his last eight opponents and comes from an outstanding boxing family.

“As of today, Canelo is a 154-lb fighter. He only fought for a Middleweight championship because fans wanted a fight with Miguel Cotto, and Canelo delivered by winning that fight convincingly.

“I have been clear that Canelo will fight Golovkin at 160 pounds and we have a verbal agreement to do it in the fall of 2017. But in the meantime, Canelo is going to build up to being a true middleweight.

“The plan is to face Smith – a big, bruising 154-pounder – in September, and if Canelo emerges victorious, to start making his way up to 160 pounds and fight Golovkin on equal turf (in terms of weight).

“We envision Canelo doing a third fight in 2016 either at or close to the middleweight limit and then a fight on Cinco De Mayo at 160 before facing Golovkin in the fall.

“I know Canelo/Golovkin is the biggest fight to make; the fighters know it’s the biggest fight to make; and the fans know it’s the biggest fight to make. Everyone agreed that a fight for the middleweight championship should take place at the middleweight limit and once Canelo builds up to that weight, the fight will be on.

“In the meantime, we are hopeful and confident that Canelo will continue to perform at a level that has led to back-to-back knockouts of the year over James Kirkland and Amir Khan and when his body is ready, GGG should look out.”

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts Saturday, September 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

Alvarez challenges Britain’s Liam Smith for his junior middleweight crown when Canelo vs. Smith takes place Saturday, September 17 from AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (September 6, 2016) – On Mexican Independence Weekend, Golden Boy Promotions will offer the world championship battle between heavy punchers, former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion, Liam “Beffy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs), on online pay-per-view via new site, www.goldenboyppv.com. Live from the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, www.goldenboyppv.com will allow fans the opportunity to watch this mega-fight on the device of their choice on September 17. This online offering is designed to reach those consumers who don’t have access to the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast that’s available through cable TV, satellite and telco pay-per-view providers.

“Our premium platform is designed with the boxing fan in mind and will provide fans a deep immersive pre-fight video experience featuring exclusive behind the scenes programming from training camp throughout fight week,” said Oscar De La Hoya Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Our goal is to give fans access beyond the ring in a way that enriches their on-line viewing experience throughout fight night. ” Goldenboyppv.com is one of many new platforms Golden Boy Promotions has launched over the past 12 months.

The pay-per-view live stream event on www.goldenboyppv.com, can be pre-ordered and will be available for all U.S.-based users for $64.99 and will feature a legendary broadcast team with the “Colonel,” Bob Sheridan calling the bow-by-blow and Larry Merchant delivering the color. This one-two punch combination takes the broadcast to new heights and provides fans with spectacular insights throughout fight night.

The pay-per-view live stream will include the 10-round co-main event between “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 Kos, 1 NC) and Willie Monroe Jr. (20-1, 6 KOs) fighting for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title; the 10-round NABF Featherweight Title between Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) and Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs); and the 10-round event featuring Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) defending his WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Title against the experienced Luis Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs).

“Golden Boy’s Media and Entertainment division is laser focused on delivering world-class digital programming experiences for fans around the world – our global distribution capabilities drive exclusive content across a vast landscape of digital and social platforms entertaining a boxing world on the go.” Said David Tetreault, EVP, Media and Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hennessey, Adriana’s Insurance, AT&T, and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the four fight pay-per-view card produced and distributed live to cable TV, satellite and telco pay-per-view providers by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

We’re very excited to be on this call. We’re just two weeks away from the show. This is the official international media conference call with WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion, Undefeated champion, Liam “Beefy” Smith. On September 17 over Mexican Independence weekend, Canelo returns to Texas for a big challenge, a dangerous challenge in WBO World Champion, Liam “Beefy” Smith.

Obviously it’s going to be at AT&T Stadium, home of America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys. Canelo’s going to be returning for the first time to Texas where he had a great fight against James Kirkland. So we’re very excited about that.

Liam, as you know is undefeated. He’s known as a heavy puncher. He’s coming off a streak of eight knockouts in a row. He’s probably the toughest task that Canelo’s ever had. So it’s going to be a great night of boxing and it’s going to be a great fight.

Just like we say, everything’s bigger in Texas. The stadium is doing very well with ticket sales. We’re already over 25,000 in ticket sales. There are still tickets available. You can buy tickets at Ticketmaster. You can go on the website at www.Ticketmaster.com or you can call by phone 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are as low as $40 and $750 for ringside.

So now I want to turn it over to our co-promoter for the fight and good friend, Frank Warren, to introduce the team. Frank?

FRANK WARREN, Chairman of Box Nation and Promoter to Liam Smith:

Thank you, Eric, very kind of you. It’s obviously a great privilege to be working on such a special show in Dallas on the 17th of September. Liam Smith I’ve promoted since he turned professional eight years ago. I’ve always thought that he was an exceptional fighter and an exceptional British fighter. He’s won all his fights to date. He’s on an eight-fight knockout roll, and I’ve never seen him up so much for a fight.

He begged me for this fight, and we made it happen between all of us, and I can assure you when he gets there on the 17th, there are going to be some serious fireworks. It’s going to be a real celebration for the Brits. It might be Mexican Independence Day, but it’s going to be the Brits are coming and the Brits are going to come away still holding that belt.

He’s so confident and all the time I’ve known him, I’ve never felt or doubted him or his ability. He’s one of those fighters, the bigger the occasion, the more you’ll get out of him.

He’s 28 years of age. He comes from Liverpool. He’s the first Liverpool champ or British world champ to come out of Liverpool in 22 years. He comes from a fighting family. His brothers are all professional boxers, all very successful, and I think he’s the best of the brothers. I’ve always said that and I’m sure that he is.

And I’m quite sure that we’re going to see something special in Dallas on the 17th. Liam’s on the line, and I know you’d like to speak to him. So Liam, over to you.

LIAM SMITH, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

Yes, Frank. We’ve already done a lot of the hard work already. We’ve got a couple of hard weeks and it’s all about getting the timing right towards the 17th. Me and Joe, we’ll come prepared. And like Frank said, it’s a fight I’ve always asked for. I’ve been on Frank’s case for this fight and a number of fights of this magnitude for over 12 months now. They say no one can fight at Canelo’s level because they don’t know that I can perform at that level yet. This fight is going to tell you guys that I’m at that level myself. I know I’m at that level. So you’ll know who Liam Smith is come September 17th.

ERIC GOMEZ: Liam, thank you. And Frank, thank you for the kind words.

So a couple of notes before we open up for questions. Obviously, this is going to be brought to you by HBO pay-per-view, so if you can’t be there in person, make sure you get the pay-per-view. And last but not least I’d like to thank our sponsors involved in this fight, Tecate, Born Bold, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hennesey: Never Stop, Never Settle, Adrianna’s Insurance, AT&T: Mobilizing Your World, and Casa Mexico Tequila. With that, thank you to the sponsors. We couldn’t put together a great show like this without you. So with that, we can open it up to questions.

Q. Hello Frank and Liam.

JOE GALLAGHER: This is Joe Gallagher. I’m here in the room as well, Joe Gallagher.

FRANK WARREN: Joe, I’m sorry. Joe Gallagher is on the line, Ring Trainer of the Year 2015, and he’s done a fantastic job with Liam working with him over the years. I can’t say enough of his ability. I do apologize.

Q. Joe, it’s good to have you on the call also. My first question, Liam, a lot of your British countrymen have talked a lot during their careers about how they wanted to come to the United States and fight. I remember hearing those comments from Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe and people like that that really look forward at some point in their career making a name. They had made their name in Britain, but they wanted to have bigger fights in the United States. You have a big fight here with Canelo Alvarez and it’s going to be your first fight in the United States. But I wonder has one of your goals been what those guys talked about, that you really wanted to come to the states and make a big name for yourself, or was this just sort of the way it worked out for you? What are your feelings about having an opportunity to fight in the United States?

LIAM SMITH: This fight has got nothing to do really with any of those fights that you mentioned. It also doesn’t reflect on any of the fights that have challenged. This isn’t Canelo with Amir Khan. This has to do with me, and it’s a personal thing for me. I’ve always been told I think I’ve got a style that the American fight fans will like. There is no mixing out of my style, there’s no awkwardness. There’s no holds. There’s no negativity around me. What you see is what you get in terms of the fight.

Like I said last time on the phone mark my words, I’m coming to fight Canelo, and you’re going to be in a massive shock. This fight is me making a name for myself the world over and establishing myself to the world of boxing and not just for British fight fans.

Q. Was it a goal to fight in America like some of your past star countrymen? Was that on your bucket list?

LIAM SMITH: I don’t want to emulate nothing. I want to go there and beat Canelo on me own and have people talking about Liam Smith. There will be people talking about Liam Smith and not Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe.

Q. No, no, Liam, I think you’re misunderstanding me. I understand what you’re saying. I’m saying in your mind when you became a professional fighter and making your way up the ranks, was fighting a major fight in the States something that was a big deal for you? Is that something that you aspired to do?

LIAM SMITH: Yeah, it is. If you ask anyone down the line, I go to the States twice, three times a year, training and sparring there. Training the amount of training over in the States. The Wild Card Gym, The Rock Gym, there and to sparring there for the Canelo fight. I’ve been in numerous gyms in the States, and probably if I didn’t have the bond with Joe and I didn’t have the relationship with Frank as a promotional company, I’d have probably moved to America a long time ago. But it’s bond and too much to basically jump ship and move there.

But I look to move there when I finish boxing. I love the States and making a name out there for myself is something I want to do.

Q. A lot of the conversation that’s been directed towards Canelo going into this fight is why he’s not fighting Gennady Golovkin who is coming to the country to fight Kell Brook, and the fight that many of the people in the United States that people hoped to see was Canelo versus Golovkin. So my question for you, how tired of that are you hearing about how people are disappointed that Canelo is not fighting Triple G, but he’s fighting a guy in Liam Smith who most people here have never heard of? Does it make a difference to you? Does it motivate you? What is your point to all the people that say they don’t know who Liam Smith is, and we’d rather see him fighting Triple G?

LIAM SMITH: I don’t knock the people saying they don’t know Liam Smith. All I say to them is be sure you come back on the same social media, to the same magazine you criticized and make sure you come back on September 18th and hold your hands up and say Liam won.

I don’t mind that. I know they don’t know me. I can’t blame them. I haven’t fought in the States just yet. I could have done some fights as you mentioned before. The way they’ve done it, (Indiscernible) could have fought Castillo and went there and fought (Indiscernible) before the other big fight against Castillo.

Now I was just going to ask you the same thing. Went there for one of the channels. It’s going to be a very, very good fight. But it’s just the fact I’m going there and I’m fighting the biggest name over there and they expect him to fight Triple G, so I’m getting the backlash of that.

The same, you’ve got to know me as a boxer, and personally, we can talk if you want about Triple G and Canelo, but after September 17 there won’t be no talk of Triple G anymore.

Q. Liam, both of your brothers Paul and Stephen have fought only one time in the United States and big step-up fights and neither one was competitive at all. I wanted to know if you feel pressure to end that streak? Have they given you any words of advice from their failures?

LIAM SMITH: No, I don’t feel any pressure of fighting in the States and lost the fourth quarter special fight around the awards, and Stephen fought a very good Jose Pedraza on the 9th. Stephen would have won that fight. Everyone thinks Stephen performed bad, but he just came up against a very good Pedraza.

And now, saying that they’re going to give me confidence. I’ve been in the States and fought before. When I’m in that changing room, I’ll feel as if I’ve been in that situation before. Obviously I’m going to have to deal on the biggest stage. This is the biggest stage — not the biggest stage in boxing by no means, but the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. But it doesn’t faze me and it’s one I’m looking forward to the finishing.

FRANK WARREN: That question you asked is a fair question you asked. However, Liam’s going there as a world champion. His brothers didn’t go there as a world champion. He’s the world champion. He’s the one that’s won the world title.

Q. I know. But I don’t think that means a whole lot in this day and age of four titles per weight class. Canelo’s the name here State side. Does that really make a big difference?

FRANK WARREN: It might not mean nothing to you, but I think it means something to Liam. He’s very proud of being a world champion, and he’s going there to defend his title. Obviously he has value as a world title, that’s why he’s fighting Canelo. But the bottom line, as he said earlier, as far as going to the States, if you ask anybody in all the gyms that he’s worked with out there or all the guys he’s sparred there, they’ll tell you how good he is. He’s a good fighter.

I’ve been involved with lots of fighters over the years. Lots of fighters out in the States. A lot of fighters I’ve been involved with considered no-hopers against great American fighters or were to be great American fighters at the time, and a lot of my guys have won those fights. And I feel confident in Liam that he can emulate what they’ve done, and we’ll be talking afterwards about when is Liam going to be fighting Golovkin because that’s what they’re going to be talking about after this fight.

Q. Can you give me an example of a fight this reminds of you then? A past fight of a guy who was considered not to have a shot?

FRANK WARREN: I think with Joe Calzhage with Showtime and everybody was building up Jeff Lacy to be the next big thing and he destroyed him. I mean absolutely destroyed him. I can think of Joe going out and fighting Bernard Hopkins. He was an underdog in that fight and he won that fight. Well won it with the scoring he well won that fight. When Frank Bruno was against Oliver McCall and knocked out Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno was considered the interloper and he won that fight. There are quite a few.

Naseem Hamed winning fights over the years against American opponents who we brought over who were champions, won them all. He’s of that ilk. He can win them. We call Liam the scouse Mexican, scouse you might not know is a Liverpool nickname and that’s how he fights.

Q. Liam, can you speak to that point about how you are as a champion and your brothers and how that may change things? Can you maybe speak about how you think your mindset is going to be different than your brothers were because you’re the champion and they were the challengers? How does that help you?

LIAM SMITH: I can only hear the very end of your question. Sorry.

Q. How will your mindset be different going into this fight as an underdog, knowing that you’re the champion, whereas your brothers were the challengers?

LIAM SMITH: My mindset with that is I always know the arguments over the ring boards and stuff like that. I’m not stupid. 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. But I am 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. Canelo’s the big name, but I am the champion going in.

So this fight, I know I am the champion, but there doesn’t have to be a belt on the line for me. I took this fight. I’m not in a situation where I have nothing to lose in this fight. 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.

Q. Do you feel this is the kind of fight you’ve been training for your whole life? The kind of fight that turns you into a name and a star worldwide?

LIAM SMITH: Yes, I do. This is the fight that — if I could pick a style of a fighter, it would be similar of Canelo’s style. I always wanted a Canelo fight, a Cotto fight. A style like that is what I prefer to fight. This fight can only be a great fight. There’s no way the styles will make a bad fight. They gel well, and this is a fight, again, you’re going to see me smile in. Because even I smile when it’s not going my way. I’m not going to not smile because I’m not winning. I’ll smile because I enjoy every minute of this fight.

This is, I say to Joe as he’s got me in the gym, this fight is right up my street as they say in the news. Canelo and this fight is right up my street stylewise.

It’s going to be give and take. Canelo’s going to have his moments. I’m not saying he’s not. But I’m going to have my moments. It will come down to they can finish off their moments and finish the fight the best. So it’s one that I’m looking forward to every time I think about the fight it gets me excited. It just gets me excited. So it’s one that I can’t wait for. It’s going to be a great fight.

Q. Liam, the question is do you like your chances better than Brook against Triple G? Do you like your chances better against Canelo?

LIAM SMITH: Yes, 100% I like my chances because I’m 100% confident I’m going to win this fight, and Canelo’s the favorite to win the fight. And I’ll be rooting for Kell Brook, but I think it’s a step too far for him. But I don’t think it’s a step too far for myself. But, yes, I think I’ve got a chance.

FRANK WARREN: Liam’s a natural 154-pound fighter. He’s not going up a weight. This is his weight. This is the weight he fights at.

Q. HBO has been publicizing about your sister and autism. How important is this fight for you and this pay-per-view to get the word out around the world about autism and to make everybody aware of autism?

LIAM SMITH: Yeah, well, it’s important to our family. My sister is autistic. We try and publicize that as much as we can and raise awareness for autism. So it’s great for those American fight fans and the American fans and HBO can also relate to that and can see autism is a big thing. And my sister’s severely autistic, so she’s a massive inspiration to me and my brothers, and obviously to fans as well.

Q. Eric, Oscar has predicted a crowd in the vicinity of 80,000 people. The two other fight cards that have been held at the Cowboy Stadium, AT&T Stadium were involving Manny Pacquiao, one was 40,000, another 50,000. If Oscar’s projection is correct, you’d have to sell 55,000 seats in the next two weeks. How close to that do you think that this fight can realistically approach?

ERIC GOMEZ: I mean, look, there is a reason why Oscar’s been very successful at promoting. That’s obviously our wish that it can be a sell out. But I can say this, it’s going to be a successful night. Already — this is coming from the people with the Dallas Cowboys — already at this point, this far out from the fight we’ve already surpass Manny Pacquiao where he was at for both fights. So the tickets are moving, they’re moving steadily, and we feel it’s going to be a big crowd. It’s going to look great.

It’s a big, beautiful stadium. We’ll see. You never know. With the walk up, a lot of the Mexican fans, they cross the border and they’ll drive to Dallas for a lot of the Cowboy games. From what they’re telling us, they like to buy tickets from the box Office. So we’re expecting a big walk-up.

Tickets are moving well. We’ll see. We’ll see. We’ll cross our fingers and hopefully we get there. But nevertheless, already with over 25,000 people, it’s going to look great.

Q. Frank, England and Great Britain has always had an important role in the history of professional boxing. But per capita probably the most intense fight fans going now are in Germany and England. I think ring magazine, their list of champions and Top 10 rated fighters, there are actually more now from the UK than from the United States. What explains this huge spike, if it is indeed a huge spike, in popularity in boxing in the U.K.?

FRANK WARREN: It’s always been a very popular sport here. It’s one of our main sports. And I think the main thing about it is because we’re good at it. We worked, not just me, other promoters. We’ve invested our time and money over the years developing talent. The bottom line is we do have good, quality talent to come through, and Liam has been a pro now for eight years. It’s been a bit of a journey for him, and I don’t mean that disrespectfully.

In the early days I’ve just felt some of the fights we were making, like making time fights. You see a fighter fighting and you think to yourself, he needs to be stepped up and stepped up, and that’s what we’ve tried to do with him. And I think what has happened, he’s one of those special group of fighters. We’ve got a lot of guys who have held title. But there’s only three or four of them who are really quality, world champions and he’s one of them.

As I say, we’ve been very successful in what we do in boxing, and I think looking at the Olympic Games we’ve had a great, great run there. You look at the heavyweight division over the last four or five Olympic games. We’ve won medals where the U.S. hasn’t won medals at that point. I just think that with our guys we’ve got great followings in their hometowns. We build them in their hometowns. We don’t build four-wall deals. What we do is try to build a following in their home city, and I think that’s what we’re successfully doing. And that translates into interest in the fighters and the fact that the fighters want to box.

There are guys out there in our amateur clubs, there are a huge amount of amateur boxing clubs in the U.K., and they’re very, very well supported and very well funded. And as so, we’ve got a good system that’s working, and you see they’re all translating now into what you see in the amount of British boxers that are in the ratings or are world champions.

But I think for Liam, because obviously that’s what this call is all about today, I think with Liam, you’ve got to see something special. He has got something to lose. You know, people say, what have I got to lose? I’m going to go out there and get a payday and that’s it. But he’s got something to lose. And I know that’s something that’s very special to him, and that’s his pride. He’s going there to defend his title and come back with all the accolades that he’s going to deserve in doing so.

And I’m not coming out there with him to sit there and go home as a loser. I’m coming out there because I’ve got tremendous belief in him and tremendous belief in his preparation and what Joe Gallagher’s doing with him. But he can come away winning this fight. It’s not going to be easy. He’s fighting a very good fighter. But you know what? He’s got the tools to do it.

Q. Liam and Frank, human nature being what it is, since so many people are pointing or looking forward to a mega fight between Triple G and Canelo, would Triple G fighting Kell Brook over in England and this fight here, some people are going to say, well, they’re going to take the safe approach because they want to protect that. Human nature being this, how much of a motivating factor is that like a slap to a guy’s pride that most people think this is just going to be a walk through the park because we’ve got to protect the big fight? How motivating is that for Liam?

FRANK WARREN: Liam, do you want to go first or me? Okay. As I’ve just said, he’s a very proud fighter and he’s a very confident fighter. What they may feel are safe fights. But let me tell you something, the fighters they’re fighting though are not coming to make up the numbers. They’re coming to fight.

I used to promote Kell Brook, I got him up to the number one position. He had 20 fights with me. He’s a capable fighter. I think he’s got a very, very tough fight. He’s coming up two weight divisions to fight one of the best fighters if not the best fighter in the world. And you’ve got Liam going to the guy who is also considered to be one of the best, if not the best, American fighters or Mexican fighters.

However, they are not trying to step up to the plate. You can’t be what people may be assuming and what they’re saying about Canelo and Triple G cannot be said about five other British boxers. They are stepping up. They’re fearless. They’re coming to fight.

My man, Liam, is coming to the other guy’s backyard. He’s coming to the back yard, not to make up the numbers, but to defend his title and come back as a winner and hopefully Liam Smith’s name will be on everybody’s lips. If he wins this fight, and I really do feel he can. It’s not going to be easy, but I do feel he has the capabilities to win it. It will be in my opinion one of the biggest upsets as far as Brits going abroad. It will be the biggest thing of a British boxer in modern times to go out there and do that. That’s how significant this fight will be.

That’s why we’re in there. That’s why we’ve taken this fight because we believe in our man. We believe in Liam Smith.

Q. Frank and Liam, if you guys could explain why you guys withdrew from the drug testing and why that was important for you to do that?

ERIC GOMEZ: I can talk to that, Frank, if you don’t mind. They didn’t withdraw. What we decided was we weren’t going to do voluntary testing with VADA. But Liam is still undergoing testing with the British Boxing Control Board, and Canelo’s still undergoing testing by Texas and the WBO. So nobody withdrew. There is testing.

Q. So there is a misconception out there that he withdrew.

FRANK WARREN: The British Boxing Board controls drug testing, and you may think I’m biased, but it’s probably the most stringent of any governing body in the world, I can assure you. So from our end, we’re happy with all the arrangements.

Q. Liam, this is your first fight outside of the U.K. I just wanted to know what kind of changes have you guys made in the training camp, if any? And you know there’s been video circulating out there of you sparring with Kell Brook. Have you guys made any changes to this particular training camp or has this been kind of the same that you’ve been doing the last few years?

LIAM SMITH: It’s kind of the same. We’ve changed a bit in every camp. We’ve changed obviously sparring partners. We’ve changed hardware with Joe, we’ve changed the combination offensively and defensively. We work on what we think Canelo does well. So we’ve just changed the little adjustments.

We always have conditioned well. We’ll be ready for the fight, there is no question about that. So we’ve just made the little adjustments, like I said, to get ready towards Canelo.

Q. Do you guys feel that coming up after this fight, if you guys come out victorious, are you guys looking at possibly unifying the division? Or do you feel like after you beat Canelo a possible step up to middleweight is something you’d be looking at in your future?

LIAM SMITH: No, I’m not a middleweight, and until my body is ready to go to middleweight, I’ll announce it. But I’m not going to sound like Canelo and sound like all the other people now and say I want to beat Canelo, I want to fight Charlo or I want to fight Triple G, because that’s what people are following Canelo for.

Now, obviously, 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. So 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.

Q. Frank, what’s going on with Billy Joe Saunders? I know there was a possibility that he was going to be on the undercard.

FRANK WARREN: We’re announcing his fight on Monday, next Monday.

Q. Again, there was talk about possibly in December with Billy Jo fighting Canelo if Canelo’s successful? I know you have to get by Liam Smith, but is that still a possibility?

FRANK WARREN: No, it’s not a possibility because Liam Smith is going to win this fight.

ERIC GOMEZ: That’s a great answer, Frank (laughing).

LIAM SMITH: It’s the truth.

FRANK WARREN: That’s what we’re here for. We’re not here to lose.

Q. Frank, in the event that some miracle happens and Liam does not win, would that be still in play between Canelo and Saunders?

FRANK WARREN: If he doesn’t win, if he doesn’t, and I’m very positive on this, but if he doesn’t win, all I know is everybody will be demanding a rematch because this is going to be a great fight. Whatever happens, if he loses, which I don’t think he will, then you’ll want to see the rematch.

Q. Frank, do you want to reveal who Saunders is fighting next?

FRANK WARREN: No, we’ll talk about it on Monday. Let’s deal with my champion here, Liam Smith. That’s what we’re at the moment focused on. All will be revealed with Billy Joe on Monday. If the press want to be on the call, speak with Dan in the Office, and we’ll give you a head’s up just before.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you so much. I think we’re all ready for final comments. Frank, do you have any final comments?

FRANK WARREN: All I would say is I hope that we do sell the stadium out, because the Mexican people are great, great boxing fans and I want them to be there to see what I believe is one of our great British boxers. They’re going to love him. They’re going to love what he does, they’re going to love what they see. Don’t miss this. This is a fight to be there and see. It will be a history-making fight for a British fighter.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Frank. Joe Gallagher, are you still on the line?

JOE GALLAGHER: Yeah, I’m here, yes. Just Liam Smith’s coming over, very well-prepared, ready to defend his title. On Sunday, the 18th, that’s what they’ll be talking about, the three judges, and let’s talk about a good world champion in Liam Smith. That’s my only fear for this fight. These are two honest fighters putting their careers and their lives on the line, and we need three honest men sitting around the ringside to score the fight correctly. What we don’t want is to have a bad decision.

We’ve seen the corruption with the Olympics of late. The bad judging, the bad scoring and this can’t happen on Mexican Independence week. Liam Smith is going out there. He’s putting his title on the line, his life on the line, and we need three honest men to go on that night and go out there thinking I did the right thing. And by doing the right thing, they’ll score Liam Smith the winner.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Liam, go ahead and say your final comments.

LIAM SMITH: Yes, just thanks to everyone, obviously for all of the questions. And like Joe and Frank said, we’re coming September 17th. We’re ready. We’ll have no excuses, and I’ll speak to all the same people on September 18th and just say I told you so, and I’m still champion.

I’d also like to say thanks to Eric and Frank and all the Golden Boy staff for making this fight and now the fight’s only two weeks away, so I hope we’ll have a great show.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Eric, we’re ready for your final comments.

ERIC GOMEZ: Great, thank you, guys. Thank you once again Frank Warren, Frank’s been a great partner with us and by far the best promoter in the U.K.

You know, Joe Gallagher, obviously, a top trainer. Liam is an undefeated fighter. This is a great fight, a dangerous fight. Styles make fights, and this is going to be an explosive fight. We’re very excited for this fight. Don’t miss it. HBO pay-per-view, or you can go in person and see it at beautiful AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Again, tickets are still available. You can get tickets at Ticketmaster, www.Ticketmaster.com. Again, I want to thank the sponsors, everybody involved, thank you very much. And thank you for being on the call, media.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Hennessey, Adriana’s Insurance, AT&T, and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

By Norm Frauenheim-

He appears to be a mere prop in Canelo Alvarez’ long-term design on creating a legend that still awaits a defining moment, perhaps against Gennady Golovkin. He’s another Smith.

He’s the brother of Paul and Stephen, who are about as forgettable as any other Smith who has fought in the United States.

Betting odds, which opened at 11-1 and are about 10-1 in the UK, suggest that this Smith Brother, Liam, won’t last longer than a cough drop on Sept. 17 against the heavily-favored Canelo on Sept. 17 in a ring on top of the Dallas Cowboys home field at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.

Liam Smith and his management have other ideas. No surprise there. It would be a bigger upset than a Liam Smith victory over Canelo if they didn’t, of course. But they, like Canelo, also have plans on making history, both for the Smith family and the UK.

Unlike Canelo, however, their plans are more immediate. The unknown Liam Smith and his well-known promoter, Frank Warren, are talking about an upset that would be one for the books.

Warren put it this way during a conference call Thursday when asked if Liam Smith would fight in November after a predicted loss to Canelo:

“No, that’s not possible, because he’s going to win.’’

The one-sided odds say otherwise. So, too, does the Texas location and the September date that coincides with the celebration of Mexican Independence.

Canelo, who has taken back the Mexican holidays in May and September since Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement, is hugely popular in Texas. He has fought in front of big crowds in Houston and San Antonio.

Now, he fights for the first time in Dallas, where he intends to further cement his claim on being the face of boxing while also gaining leverage in negotiations for a GGG showdown in 2017.

Translation: All of the pressure is on Canelo to deliver a dominant performance in a fight that will happen one week after GGG faces Kell Brook in London on Sept. 10. If all goes as predicted, the two performances will be a reference point in analyzing who would win and how in a GGG-Canelo bout.

An intriguing footnote is that Canelo is a bigger favorite over Smith at 154 pounds than middleweight champion Golovkin is against Brook, a welterweight champion who is jumping from 147 to 160. GGG is a 7-to-1 favorite.

Liam Smith, the WBO’s 154-pound belt-holder, feels he has as good a shot as Brook has.

“Yes, I like my chances,’’ said Liam, whose brothers were beaten in their last trips to the U.S.

Paul Smith, a super-middleweight, lost to Andre Ward last year in Oakland, Calif. Stephan Smith, a super-featherweight, lost to Jose Pedraza last April in Mashantucket, Conn.

Warren suggested Thursday that Liam is the best of the Smiths, one whom he says will record an upset as big as any in UK boxing history.

“So often, people go over to the States to fight, thinking that they have nothing to lose,’’ said Warren, who said a Liam Smith victory would place him alongside Joe Calzaghe’s upsets of Jeff Lacy, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. “But Liam has something to lose: His pride.’’

So, too, does Canelo, whose own brand of fierce pride is just one of many things at stake.

September 1, 2016 – Leading up to the junior middleweight title bout between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith – set for Saturday, September 17 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – fans can enjoy an enlightening look at two of Canelo’s dazzling ring performances when HBO Sports presents classic back-to-back bouts of the 154-pound superstar.

On Friday, September 9 at 12:00 a.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, September 10 at 9:15 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Cotto vs. Canelo 2015 and Canelo vs. Khan 2016 back-to-back.

In the bright spotlight of Las Vegas on November 21, 2015, Canelo put on a dominating performance over sure fire future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto to win the lineal middleweight championship.

Canelo’s reputation as slugger was solidified on May 7, 2016 with a resounding 6th round KO triumph over Amir Khan at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers beginning Monday, September 5.

Canelo Alvarez challenges Britain’s Liam Smith for his junior middleweight crown when Canelo vs. Smith takes place Saturday, September 17 from AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 31, 2016) – Former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) today hosted a media workout at the House of Boxing in San Diego ahead of his clash with WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) on Mexican Independence Day Weekend on September 17 at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.

Below is what Team Canelo had to say at today’s media workout in San Diego:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“I love San Diego because it’s really calm here, which is something I require when I am in camp. I feel comfortable and at home which makes me feel great while training, and allows me to train at 100 percent.

“Getting to fight at the AT&T Stadium in Texas is a huge privilege for me and my career. Fighting on this weekend is powerful because it tells the story of Mexicans all over, making a win even more important. This fight is going to be historic; from the venue, the title, to the fans who are going to show up – I take all of this into consideration as I train hard for this match.”

“In our training we have taken a huge focus on the opponents fighting style – no matter what size or weight. Analyzing, and breaking down the fighter’s approach is what we go after in the ring. Just because Smith isn’t very well known in the U.S. doesn’t diminish how tough he is as an opponent. We expect him to be very powerful, and we are training for that.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“People can have their opinions on the fight. We are training for a world title fight, which is worth respecting. We are doing the work and training hard. Winning this fight is the focus and everything else will come.

“We are working especially hard on defense. We are going to be working the counterpunches, and being able to counteract anything that Smith brings to the ring.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“The climate here in San Diego is perfect for training. They have a great training environment here at the gym – we have the privacy and the space to run the distance and that makes us very happy. We are enthusiastic with our training efforts, and are working hard to get another title. We are content with the way training is going, and we are looking forward to showing the fans what we have been working on.

“Liam Smith offers us the opportunity to be at the top. His last eight fights have all been won via knock out. He is a dangerous fighter, and just because he isn’t known here doesn’t take away his potential. Smith has to be doing something right to be able to have such powerful victories under his belt, and that has given us an indicator that he is dangerous, and we have to be careful to not enter the ring too confident. We are working our defense specifically for this fight, because we don’t want one of his punches to catch us off guard.”

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, “Hennessy. Never Stop. Never Settle,” Adriana’s Insurance, “AT&T, mobilizing your world,”and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

HBO Sports, widely acclaimed for its innovative boxing programming, takes an in-depth look at one of boxing’s brightest superstars as he prepares to challenge a 154-pound champion from the UK at one of the world’s most spectacular arenas when ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 (12:45-1:00 a.m. ET/PT).

Other HBO playdates: Sept. 11 (11:30 a.m., 3:15 a.m.), 12 (1:25 p.m., 1:45 a.m.), 13 (6:00 p.m., 11:30 p.m.), 14 (10:00 a.m., 10:30 p.m.), 15 (4:00 p.m.), 16 (1:10 a.m.) and 17 (5:45 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 15 (8:45 p.m.), 16 (6:30 p.m.) and 17 (11:45 a.m.)

The special will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand, and at hbo.com/boxing, as well as other new media platforms.

Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs), 26, has fashioned a brilliant career, capturing junior middleweight and middleweight world titles. After knocking out challenger Amir Khan last May, Canelo fulfills his commitment to fight on Mexican Independence Day weekend by challenging England’s Liam Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) for his 154-pound crown. A native of Liverpool, England, Smith, 28, is one of four brothers who box professionally. The fight will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex., home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The special visits Canelo and Smith as they train for their Sept. 17 junior middleweight title showdown.

ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH is narrated by Liev Schreiber.

“Canelo vs. Smith” takes place Saturday, Sept. 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/ 6:00 p.m. (PT).

For more information, visit hbo.com/boxing; become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/HBOBoxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

Thank you all for joining us on the call today. This is the official media conference call for the televised pay-per-view undercard. The fighters that will be fighting on the Canelo-Smith mega fight. On September 17th over Mexican Independence weekend, we are set to have one of the most entertaining boxers in sports today, “King” Gabriel Rosado with a record of 23-9, 13 knockouts from Philadelphia, and he’ll be facing world title challenger, Willie Monroe, with a great record of 20-2 out of Rochester, New York, in a 12-round middleweight bout, and that will be the co-feature of Canelo and Smith.

Also on the televised card, we’ll have 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Undefeated, 21-0, 12 knockouts from El Monte, California, and he’ll make his pay-per-view debut, defending his NABF featherweight title for the second time in a ten-round fight against one of the hardest hitters and punchers in boxing, Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, a big record 17-3, 13 knockouts, and he’s from Blythe, California.

Opening up the pay-per-view will be Diego De La Hoya in his pay-per-view debut as well, 15-0, 9 knockouts and he’s out of Mexicali, Mexico, and he’ll face the very tough Luis “Orlandito” Orlando Del Valle. 22-2 and 16 knockouts out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. And this fight, both the Rosado fight and this fight with De La Hoya are in association with Roc Nation and Banner Promotions.

So we’re looking forward to an unforgettable night of boxing. Ticket sales are doing very well. We’re over 25,000 tickets sold already, and it’s overselling so far the two legendary fights of Manny Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium.

You can still get tickets which are still on sale. Tickets start at $40, $50, $85, and go all the way up to $750 for ringside seats. You can get your tickets at Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or you can visit www.ticketmaster.com, or you can walk up to AT&T Stadium box office, Monday through Friday, 9am central to 5pm central. And if you can’t join us in Texas to be there in person to watch the fight, you can catch it on HBO pay-per-view.

This is going to be a very exciting undercard. It’s great Mexican Independence weekend, so join us. Make sure you join us.

Last but not least, I want to thank the sponsors: Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance, and Casa Mexico Tequila. So make sure you join us either on pay-per-view or you can come in person.

Now let’s move to the fighters. I’m very happy to introduce one of our partners in boxing, and we’ve worked with them in the past and they’re working with us in this fight. They’re going to be in association with us for this fight, and this is Michael Yormark from Roc Nation to say a few words and introduce his fighter, Orlando Del Valle.

MICHAEL YORMARK, President & Chief of Branding and Strategy, Roc Nation Sports:

Eric, thank you so much, and thank you Golden Boy Promotions. Orlando Del Valle comes from a storied Puerto Rican boxing lineage, an impressive amateur background. He was an under-19 national Junior Olympic Champion for Puerto Rico, three-time New York Golden Gloves champion, National Golden Gloves champion, and U.S. Boxing’s No. 1 rated Junior Boxer at 125 pounds prior to making his pro debut on April 11th, 2008.

He is currently the international boxing federation’s No. 8 ranked super bantamweight contender. With a comprehensive resume of thrilling fights, 16 of Del Valle’s 22 victories have come by way of knockout. Most recently Del Valle dropped Thomas “KO” Snow on route to a unanimous victory at the Armory in Washington, D.C.

Del Valle regards himself as a true student of the sport, and as a result has also explored broadcast opportunities, establishing himself as a respected commentator in both English and Spanish for networks such as WAPA TV, UniMás, and DirecTV. On September 17th, he will join the ranks of one of boxing’s biggest rivalries, Puerto Rico versus Mexico, when he takes on the Undefeated Diego De La Hoya in a 10-round super bantamweight showdown. It is my pleasure to introduce Roc Nation sport’s Orlando Del Valle.

LUIS ORLANDO “ORLANDITO” DEL VALLE, Super Bantamweight Contender:

Thank you, thank you. It’s my pleasure to be here, and my resumé speaks for itself. September 17 will be another chapter between Mexico and Puerto Rico rivalry and without a doubt Orlandito Del Valle will emerge victorious.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you, thank you very much, Michael. Thank you Orlando. Now it’s my pleasure to introduce the WBC Youth Super Bantamweight champion, Diego De La Hoya. He’s one of Golden Boys’ Undefeated Rising Stars. He’s looking to make, obviously like I said a little earlier, his debut on pay-per-view. We look for big things from Diego, and very soon if he gets past this very tough fight, he’s going to be fighting for a world title in the near future.

So I want to introduce first his manager, Joel De La Hoya, and then we’ll bring it over to Diego to make some comments. Go ahead. Okay, so, Diego, a few words and comments and then we’ll open it up for questions.

DIEGO De La HOYA, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion: I feel very happy and I’m very excited for this event. This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to September 17th.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you.

Q. Diego, with this being your first pay-per-view and with the extra media obligations, how are you managing your time with training and all the extra media obligations connected to this pay-per-view fight?

DIEGO De La HOYA: I’ve been training very intensely for this fight. I feel no pressure, and I’m very committed to deliver a great fight with this great opportunity.

Q. Diego, it seems this last fight you fought an Undefeated fighter in Rocco Santomauro and you passed the test, and now you’re fighting an extreme fighter like Orlando Del Valle. Is that your plan to keep increasing your opponent as you continue your progression?

DIEGO De La HOYA: My promotional company Golden Boy and my manager Joel De La Hoya has a lot of confidence in me, and have given me difficult fights because I feel like I can prove that I have great qualities to go far in boxing and in my career. And they expect the best of me, and that’s what I expect to give people back.

Q. Has Oscar told him anything about being on this type of card with the type of crowd you expect there and the atmosphere? Has he given you any advice?

DIEGO De La HOYA: The last time I spoke with Oscar I was very excited about the event because there was potential of me being on pay-per-view, and it was something that he promised me, and he definitely came through. He did say, you know, you’ve just got to give it your all. It’s very difficult to go out there with the last name, but if you give it your all and you’re dedicated enough, I can definitely help you get where you want to be in your career.

Q. Diego, I was wondering when you think you might be ready for a title shot at super bantamweight?

DIEGO De La HOYA: It just depends on when my promoter and manager agree and feel that I’m ready to take on a big responsibility like that. When that moment comes, I will be ready and extremely motivated and committed to give everyone the fight they want to see.

Q. All right. I’ll ask that question of his manager if they want to chime in, when they think Diego might be ready for the title shot?

ERIC GOMEZ: Look, I mean, this is a big step up for Diego. It’s a tough fight. Orlando Del Valle is a very tough fighter. I know him very well. I’ve scouted him in the past when I was doing match making for Golden Boy. It’s a very tough fight. So depending how he looks in this fight, and we’ll sit down as a team and we’ll go over it.

He’s progressing very nicely. He had a very good fight in that fight against Rocco. He was an undefeated fighter and he came and he excelled. So it’s a team decision. We get together, we sit down. Joel is very important in making a lot of his decisions. He gets together with Oscar and we talk about it. But it just depends on this performance.

If he gets past Orlandito with flying colors, then it’s something to talk about him possibly challenging for a world title. But I doubt that’s going to happen. This is going to be a very tough fight.

JOEL De La HOYA, Manager of Diego De La Hoya: Let me chime in as well. Eric touched on all points. But, yeah, it’s a litmus test, if you will, for Diego. With Orlandito, he is a tough guy, but like Eric said, if he passes with flying colors, then we move on. We sit down, we talk and we’ll see what the next step would be.

But, yeah, this is definitely a litmus test, and Diego is more than ready though to take that. That’s one of the reasons we chose this opponent because he needs fights like this in order for him to progress and to find out where he’s at at this level of his career.

Q. Just a follow-up, if Diego himself and Del Valle looks really good and he gets the win, then after that you’d consider and think that maybe at that point he might be ready for a title shot?

JOEL De La HOYA: Well, he’s been very busy this year. So maybe a tune-up of sorts at the end of the year, that would be nice. That’s something. Unless there was a great opportunity that presented itself, then we’d have to talk about it.

But, yeah, you know, he’s been busy. He’s got some really good fights under his belt, and I think getting by Orlandito, is no easy task, first of all. But getting by him, hopefully we’ll sit down and get one more by the end of the year and we’ll see what 2017 looks like. But that might possibly be the time to step him up.

Q. Orlando, coming from Puerto Rico and fighting on Mexican Independence day weekend, do you feel like you are fighting to provide for all your Puerto Rican fans given the Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry?

LUIS ORLANDO DEL VALLE: Definitely. Puerto Rico already owned that date, almost back in 1999 Felix Trinidad fought with De La Hoya on the same weekend, and he came up with the win. So we’re going to pick up where we left it at. September 17 is going to be another great, great victory for Orlando Del Valle and a step closer to a world title fight.

Q. Is there anything different we can expect for you to bring in the ring, given that you are fighting on this holiday and sort of taking it back for all of your Puerto Rican fans?

LUIS ORLANDO DEL VALLE: I’m a veteran in the boxing business already, and I can tell that the pressure is not on my side. I knew how the pressure felt, and coming into this fight as the underdog, coming into a fight where nobody expects me to win, it leaves me relaxed because I knew that’s what everybody was expecting. But I’m coming to give it my all. We are training at full force and we are going to derail every plan that they have for Diego. They’re going to have to send him back to the drawing board and make some plans with him, because this is my shot for me to get all the pay off for the hard work I’ve been doing for almost 20 years now.

Q. What do you feel will be some of your biggest weaknesses and advantages coming into this fight with Diego De La Hoya?

LUIS ORLANDO DEL VALLE: I mean, we know how boxing works. I’m not fighting only Diego. I’m fighting his last name; I’m fighting the judges; I’m fighting the crowd; I’m fighting HBO commentators; when he throws a punch and misses, they’re going to be yelling out there that he lands a shot. But at the end of the day I’m coming in with all my will to win and that’s unbreakable. So expect nothing but fireworks on September 17th.

Q. Orlando, you pretty much answered what I was going to ask, but let me say it anyway. You’re facing an undefeated opponent, a relative of the promoter. You’re basically hand-picked to make him look good. Do you feel the odds are stacked against you in this fight? Do you think you need a KO to win?

LUIS ORLANDO DEL VALLE: I mean, the odds are against me because of the name, because of the promotion and everything that they’ve been doing a great, great job with Diego. And he also has made some come true. He’s beat up his opponents and looked the way he’s supposed to. But at the end of the day, it’s going to be me and him in the ring, and it’s going to be a matter of time where me and him are going to get in the middle and just fight it out.

Our plan and what we’re working on is just to leave no doubt. Even if it goes by decision or ends earlier, that’s the plan, leave no doubt. So basically that’s it.

Q. Diego, what is your relationship with Oscar? Do you see him often? Do you talk to him often? Are you really close?

DIEGO De La HOYA: I don’t see him very often. I usually see him around the fight or during negotiations for the fight. I do see my manager Joel De La Hoya, but they’re both my Cousins.

THE MODERATOR: Luis Orlando, do you have any closing comments for the press on the line?

LUIS ORLANDO DEL VALLE: Definitely. I really appreciate the press for coming out with all the questions and to the fans, boxing fans, make sure you tune in early. We’ll open the telecast, and you know that when you put a chapter of Puerto Rico and Mexico together, it’s nothing but fireworks. So expect nothing but a great, great fight. And like I said in the beginning, make sure you tune in earlier because from the git-go of the pay-per-view, you are going to get fireworks.

MICHAEL YORMARK: No closing comments from my end.

Q. Diego, any closing comments?

DIEGO De La HOYA: I hope everyone remembers me on September 17th. That I’m ready for the fight, and I hope to deliver a fight to remember.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you. Thank you to both fighters for doing that. Now I’d like to introduce the next fight. Andrew “El Chango” Cancio is one of the toughest featherweight fighters out there. He’s been on a nonstop knockout streak since last year and he’s going to be fighting for the NABF title against JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.. So Andrew, can you tell us a little bit about training camp and about the fight?

ANDREW “EL CHANGO” CANCIO, Featherweight Contender:

Yes, my training camp has been going very well. I’m training hard like I always do. I know what I’m up against, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I respect Jojo Diaz, so I’m training really hard and everything’s going as planned so far.

ERIC GOMEZ: What can I say about Joseph Jojo Diaz. Jojo has recently been featured on the L.A. Times list of top 10 boxers in California. He’s certainly one of the most exciting featherweights to watch in boxing right now. It’s my pleasure to introduce Joseph Jojo Diaz. He’ll be defending his NABF title for the second time on pay-per-view, September 17th.

Jojo, can you please say a few words?

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

Yes, I want to thank the media and press for coming out. I know I’m going to have a very tough fight. I know Andrew has been putting on great performances and he’s a very tough, rugged fighter. So I know what I’m going up against, and I’m training very hard. I’ve been training harder than ever. Me and my father have been focusing on a lot of spinning down on my shots and being a little stronger on the inside and making sure I can keep off Cancio and be able to brawl with him on the inside like how he wants to fight.

I expect you guys to tune into an exciting fight. We can expect fireworks. I know Andrew Cancio is going to be 110% ready, and I’m going to be 110% ready also. So we’re ready to give the fight fans a really good fight.

ERIC GOMEZ: Beautiful. Sounds exciting already.

Q. Jojo, I just was curious with your Olympic background budding and we’re coming out of the Rio games here, did you get a chance to watch the games? If so, I’m just curious the idea how Olympic boxing is now and how that’s converted from you in the London games since your career here. How can you put all that in perspective?

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: Yeah, fighting in the Olympics was a great opportunity for me. I was able to fight nothing but elite fighters and was able to gain all that experience. So, man, I really appreciate being given the opportunity to be competing in the Olympics.

I did tune in for the Olympic fighters. I was rooting for Team USA. And I’m very glad we brought home two medals. We had Shakur Stevenson bringing back the silver medal, and Nico bringing back the bronze. And also we’ve got Claressa as well bringing back the gold medal. So I was very excited that Team USA is progressing, and now it’s fighting without head gear, so it’s more to our advantage.

I feel like the Olympic experience helped me a lot as a progressional fighter because I was able to fight with nothing but the best, and the best brought out the best in me. And it made me train very hard because knowing I’m fighting nothing but the best, that they’re going to come out and try to defeat me. So I feel like it made me have a mentality like no other, like a road champion mentality to just train like never before and to never give up.

Q. When you consider where you’re at in your career, 12 KO’s, unbeaten so far in your career. What’s it say to your career and where you’re at to be fighting not only in a venue like Cowboy Stadium, but to be fighting on a mega card like this?

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: Oh, man, it’s a dream come true. My goal when I was an amateur was to be fighting in the Olympics and representing my country, USA, and to bring back a gold medal. I accomplished that dream. Unfortunately I didn’t bring back a medal, but it was still a great opportunity for me. I mean, I got Golden Boy’s eyes. They started watching me and they loved the way I fought, and that gave me great opportunities. They gave me a good contract and they pushed me and they kept me busy. I’m already 20-0 and I’ve only been a professional fighter for four years. So they’ve been moving me very well and it’s just a great opportunity. Now they’re wanting me to fight on a big stage and I’m going to take full advantage of this big stage. I know it’s my dream to be fighting on big stages like this. So I’m going to be more than ready come the 17th.

Q. Just since you said it, I wanted to ask you quickly, are you even old enough to have seen Oscar fight or have you been able to go back and look at some film on how he’s fought?

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: No, I’ve seen Andrew Cancio fight. I actually saw him fight when we fought on the same card and he fought Rene Alvarado. He’s a tough, rugged fighter. He likes to cut off the ring. He throws wicked uppercuts. He’s very strong and powerful. So me and my father were coming up with a good game plan, and we’ll try to execute that game plan as much as possible and try to come out victorious come September 17th. We’re ready to make a statement.

Q. Joseph, just curious, after the fight in September that will be your third fight this year. Are you open to fighting again before the year is up or after this fight would you then take the rest of the year off? Just what are your plans? What have you been told in terms of after this fight?

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: My main focus right now is Andrew Cancio. I know he’s no joke, man. He’s going to come and we’re going to put on a great show. I know that he’s going to be training very hard and I’m training very hard as well. So it’s going to be a very tough fight. Hopefully I don’t get bruised up and don’t get injured. If I don’t and everything turns out well, then of course I’m looking to fight one more time to close out the year with a bang. Hopefully fight for a title or something and get a title shot by early next year. That’s the game plan, but right now my main focus is Andrew Cancio, I can’t look forward. I have to look at him and make sure I’m taking him 110% because I know that he’s going to be 100% ready September 17th.

Q. Before you were talking about possibly facing Josh Warrington on this date in a title eliminator just to fight Russell. That fight honestly didn’t come through. You’re now facing Andrew. Was there any letdown at all not being in that situation and now being in this one?
JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: Actually, it was very unfortunate we couldn’t get that fight to happen, but I’m still blessed with this opportunity. I’m still on the Canelo card and I’m still on the pay-per-view portion, so I’m still happy, man. I’ve got a great opponent ahead of me that’s going to bring out the best in me.

But it’s still going to be a really great night of boxing for me. I’m willing to go out there and give the fight fans what they want to see, regardless who the opponent is, I’m still going to fight the exact same and be the

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR. that everybody wants to see. I’m willing to make a statement September 17th, no matter who the opponent is.

Q. Andrew, this time what have you seen from Joseph when you’ve seen him in his previous fight and what stands out about you? (Indiscernible) any flaws in your fight?

ANDREW CANCIO: Yeah, I mean, every fighter has room for improvement, and I think that the quality that I have, I can certainly use against Jojo. He’s a real crafty, hard-puncher. He’s well-skilled. He’s got a lot of talent. And like I said, I respect him a lot and that’s why I’m preparing very, very well. I always prepare very well. He knows the style I’m going to bring into the fight, and like you said, it’s going to be a good fight for the fans.

We’re working really hard and I’m excited for the 17th. You know, this is a dream of mine as well. So I’m glad to be here and I want to take full advantage of it as well.

Q. You’ve fought some tough guys in your career, Rios in 2014, and do you think Joseph is the toughest opponent you’ll face in your career so far?

ANDREW CANCIO: Yeah, I would have to say so, with all the hype and all the space that we’re going to be on, it’s going to play a big toll in the way we fight. The crowd’s going to be cheering and all that and getting us pumped. I always in all my fights I like to bring excitement. With this fight being on the Canelo undercard, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be even more exciting.

Q. Andrew, coming into this fight with a southpaw opponent, how are you planning to train differently?

ANDREW CANCIO: Well, we have to make adjustments against sparring partners that are southpaws. Fighting a southpaw is a little bit different. I fought one before. I fought in amateurs and I spar them. There are things you have to do a little bit differently, but we’re trying to stick to our game plan and execute what we want to execute. It’s pretty much I’m training hard just like all the other fights.

Q. Since you’ve been on a knockout streak since last year, are you looking to go into this fight and take the knockout?

ANDREW CANCIO: No, I’m not looking for knockouts. If the knockout comes if it presents itself and of course I’m going to go after it. But I’m not going to go in there looking for a knockout because I’m not trying to just land one punch. I’m trying to land combinations and get on the inside and do what I do best. So I’m not going to go in there looking for knockouts.

But I’m just going to go in there and fight my game plan. If, you know my shot lands and it hurts them, then of course, that’s when I’ll take full advantage of it or try to take full advantage of it in the fight.

Q. With Jojo being the Olympian and getting more attention, do you let it all hang loose like no pressure like it’s all on him?

ANDREW CANCIO: No, no, because there’s pressure on me that I put on myself and what this fight can do for me as well. So there’s plenty of pressure for me as well. So, no, I don’t go in there. I don’t go into any fight at ease. I’m always nervous and excited and ready to handle business. The thing about the sport is you don’t know what the outcome’s going to be, and you don’t know until after the fight’s done. So you’re always nervous, at least I am. So there’s a lot of things that I’m looking forward to after this fight, hopefully, if everything goes well. So I know what this fight can do for me as well in my career.

Q. Joseph, you mentioned that you’re expecting a rough, brawling type fight where you’re going to have to fight on the inside. How have you addressed that in your sparring sessions? Have you changed it up a lot?

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: Oh, we’ve been practicing everything, man. We’ve been fighting with guys on the inside. Guys that want to outbox me and people that are going to be putting a lot of pressure. So we’re getting all of these. I can’t really go into all the details, but you can’t really expect Andrew Cancio coming in with the same game plan because I know that he’s watched footage of me and we’ve watched footage of him, so he might come with something different and might try something different.

I can’t really expect the Andrew Cancio that I’ve seen in other videos because he might come with a different game plan. So we’ve been sparring with tremendous fighters, undefeated fighters as well. And we’re going to go to work, man. The guys are going to be pushing me to the limits. Guys are going to be getting me ready for this upcoming fight.

Q. Andrew, if you do get inside in your kind of fight, how would you rate his skills as an inside fighter from what you’ve seen so far?

ANDREW CANCIO: I mean, he’s a well-crafted fighter all the way around. The inside game, I would have to say he’s really good at the inside as well. He knows what he’s doing and he’s slick. So I’ve seen what I have to do differently when I do get on the inside. So I would rate his inside game pretty high up there.

THE MODERATOR: Andrew, do you have any final comments for the press on this call?

ANDREW CANCIO: I’d like to say thank you to Golden Boy for this opportunity. Thank you, Jojo, for accepting the fight, and I’m ready to give the fight fans a good fight. I know what Jojo brings and I’m just ready for this opportunity, and I’m glad to be on the Canelo card.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Andrew. Joseph, do you have any final comments for the press on this line?

JOSEPH DIAZ, JR.: Yes, first of all, I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, my manager Ralph Heredia, and the media as well for giving me the time to speak my words. I also want to thank Andrew Cancio for accepting the fight as well.

Come September 17, we’re going to give the fight fans a really exciting fight especially for Mexican Independence Day. I’ve been training really hard and we’ll be 110% ready. So good luck to Andrew Cancio, and I’ll see you guys September 17th.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you Joseph, thank you, Andrew, have a great day. We’ll now turn it over to Gabriel Rosado versus Willie Monroe Jr.

ERIC GOMEZ: We’re ready now for the co-feature. I’d first like to introduce a good friend of mine and partner for this fight. He is the president and CEO of Banner Promotions, and that’s Mr. Arthur Pelullo. Arty, can you please introduce Willie and say a few comments.

ARTHUR PELULLO, President and CEO of Banner Promotions: Sure. Hi everybody. I just want to thank Eric, who we have become friends over the last year or so, and Oscar, for this opportunity for Willie. You know, my mom used to say one door shuts, another one opens. Willie, and before I introduce him, I just would like to say this, Willie and GABRIEL ROSADOgot this opportunity because Billy Jo Saunders would not fight either one of them. And Eric calls us up and says would you fight Gabe? And Willie, who I’ve had ever since before we started the Boxcino tournament has never really turned anybody down. He just would like to know the details, but he’s never turned anybody down. He won the Boxcino tournament and was willing to fight Saunders.

Then when Eric said this opportunity came up, I said to Willie, make the fight already. And that was only a couple weeks ago, because Willie’s always in the gym ready to fight. He’s a real pro.

So this opportunity is terrific for both Willie and Gabe Rosado. The winner of the fight, and everybody knows this, is a natural for the winner of the Canelo-Smith fight. Either fighter gets it or doesn’t get it, their careers go in a different direction because they won a big fight on the big stage, Dallas Stadium. It’s all good stuff. HBO, pay-per-view, it’s what guys live to do. This is the reason they become professionals to get to these type of fights.

So it’s been my pleasure to work with Willie. I’m going to introduce him now. You all know him, Willie Monroe. He is quite the athlete. He’s quite the person, and him and Gabe are going to give a great fight on a great show. Willie, are you there?

WILLIE “THE BODY ROCK” MONROE, Former World Title Challenger:

I’m just happy to be back. Happy to be back in the ring. Happy to be on this stage. Like I said before, things don’t happen the way you expect them. A lot of times if we don’t get the blessing that we wanted the way we thought we were going to get it, sometimes we miss out on it. Whether it’s a front door or back door, I’m happy to be on pay-per-view. I’m happy that this opportunity came up. I’m just happy to be back in the ring and have an opportunity like this.

ERIC GOMEZ: Arties right when we made this fight, it’s funny in the experience I’ve had making the fight, there’s always a back story. The original fight I was trying to get done was GABRIEL ROSADOagainst B.J. Saunders. And when that fell apart, I went to Gabe and I said, Gabe, there’s a couple of other guys out there. I want to try to repair this fight. I want to make an exciting fight.

The first name that came out of Gabe’s mouth was Willie Monroe. He said get me Willie Monroe. I want to fight Willie Monroe. I want to teach this guy a lesson. This guy has been going after me on social media. That’s the guy I want.

So Gabe’s one of the most exciting fighters in boxing today. He’s always in a great fight. September 17th won’t be an exception. He’s going to come to fight, and the big prize is Canelo. The winner of this fight very well could be fighting Canelo in December. So I want to introduce him, say a few words. King Gabe Rosado, Gabe?

“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, Former World Title Challenger:

What’s up, Eric. Just glad to be back on the big stage. You know we’re on a two fight winning streak and looking to keep the momentum going.

ERIC GOMEZ: Perfect. Thank you very much, Gabe.

Q. Gabe, I wanted to know what were the differences between the BKB boxing that you’ve participated in as opposed to regular boxing?

GABRIEL ROSADO:The BKB there’ no ropes. Shorter rounds, less rounds. I had fun while it lasted, but my first love is traditional boxing. So I’m just excited to be on the big stage again and showcasing my talent.

Q. What kind of differences have you addressed in preparation for Willie, as opposed to getting Billy Jo, which was the original opponent?

GABRIEL ROSADO: The game plan doesn’t really change as much as far as they and Billy Jo. They’re both southpaws. We were already working with southpaws and things like that, and they kind of in a way have similar styles. I think Billy Jo is probably a little more slicker. But you know it’s really the game plan didn’t change. Both guys can box, and move and things like that. It’s just the style we’re working on, and it’s pretty much the same size, so nothing changed.

Q. Willie, given the opportunity to take this fight, what are the things that you did address? What did you make sure you had to have going on before saying yes?

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Obviously, business first. I mean, make sure that we were satisfied with the money and the opportunity that comes after it. But we don’t look past anybody, so we just kept training camp going. Like I said, we were approached with the Billy Jo Saunders fight first. And GABRIEL ROSADOat least made it to negotiations.

When Billy Jo Saunders was asked to fight Willie Monroe, they immediately said, nope. But at least they made it to negotiations with Rosado. So I mean we were already in the gym.

GABRIEL ROSADO: Honestly, I don’t even know who Monroe thinks he is. He thinks he’s a big puncher or something and people are scared to fight him. Nobody knows who the hell he is.

Honestly, I told Gomez just, whoever it is, just make it happen, doesn’t matter. Willie’s acting like he’s being ducked, like he’s some big puncher. He’s really not that special. He only fought one world class —

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: I didn’t know punching was the only aspect of boxing.

GABRIEL ROSADO: You didn’t fight nobody. You didn’t fight no world class fighters. You fought Triple-G and you quit, and I’m going to make you quit too.

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: That’s all you can say. But you’re like the middleweight guy. Every time a middleweight has you, he’s run through you.

GABRIEL ROSADO: You ain’t special. You fought a bunch of ESPN fighters.

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Okay, and I’m about to fight another one.

GABRIEL ROSADO: Okay. Whatever. I beat world class fighters. I’ve got world class fighters on my resume. You didn’t beat nobody special. You’re a bum, dude. I’m going to show you a bum.

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Okay.

Q. Why do you think it was so hard to get Saunders in the ring? This is for Gabe and Willie. Why do you think Saunders has been reluctant to get in the ring with you guys?

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: I don’t know.

GABRIEL ROSADO: I don’t know. At the end of the day, I’ve got Willie Monroe and we’re going to take care of business. That’s all it is. I’m not even going to think about Billy Jo Saunders.

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Y’all know me from the past. I don’t do that much jaw-jacking and talking. Come September 17th we’re going to see. That’s all. I don’t have much to say. I’ve never been a talker. All my interviews and everything, you never saw me talk smack. That’s just not my style.

GABRIEL ROSADO: But I’m just saying you say Billy Jo ducked you and all this shit. Nobody’s ducking you because nobody knows who you are. So it doesn’t matter. That’s what I’m saying.

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Okay, nobody knows who I am, but come September 17th when the opportunity comes up.

GABRIEL ROSADO: Let’s see on the 17th. Step up to the plate, we’ll see.

Q. Eric, you mentioned that the winner of this fight could potentially be going on to face Canelo in December, if I heard that correctly. Does that mean you are not wholly confident in having to deal with Billy Jo Saunders consummated for December given what happened with this September card?

ERIC GOMEZ: Yeah, you know what? We’re keeping all the doors open. Obviously, you know, we weren’t able to get the fight done with Billy Jo Saunders. I haven’t closed the door yet.

But, look, we’ve got two guys that are going to go at it. This is a real fight. Gabe wants to prove that he still belongs and he’s in the upper echelon of boxing, and he’s got a tough fight. Willie Monroe wants to do the same thing. So these guys put on a great fight, a great show, anything’s possible. We’re going to keep all avenues open, all doors open. I don’t see why the winner of this fight shouldn’t get a Canelo fight. So we’re going to keep everything open.

Q. Where do things stand in negotiations, if there are any, with Saunders and his team right now?

ERIC GOMEZ: Right now they’re stalled. We’re going to wait till after. We’re going to get together with Frank Warren, the week of the fight. He also represents Liam Smith. So we’re going to sit down again and see what happens. But I’m interested in seeing the outcome of this fight. There is real animosity. You can hear both guys and there is real animosity there.

We’ve been working with Rosado now for about three years. He’s a guy that’s got a lot of heart, and just talking to Arty Pelullo, he’s told me that Willie Monroe is one of the toughest son of a guns out there. He’s worked with him for a long time now as well, and this is going to be a real fight. These guys are going to go at it. They’re at each other’s throats now. I’m excited.

Q. Then for the fighters, hearing that Canelo fight could be in the balance, how much more does that add to the fight that each of you obviously already wanted?

GABRIEL ROSADO: I know not to think ahead. So I’m not even thinking about that. I’m just thinking about what’s ahead of me and that’s it. I’ve been in this game long enough to know, you know, nothing in boxing is promised. So they could say that Canelo’s next, but that don’t mean nothing if I don’t win the fight. So I’m just thinking about winning this fight and looking good. And I want to do it by knockout. So that’s just what’s on my mind. I’m not thinking ahead of that.

Q. Willie, obviously you wanted this fight and you wanted this appearance on pay-per-view. What does having Canelo potentially in the balance add to you for the this fight?

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Definitely a motivation factor. But I mean, I’ve got to focus on what’s in front of me and I can’t look past anybody. I mean, I wouldn’t look past and infant let alone Gabe Rosado. So you’ve got to focus on what’s in front of you. And if Canelo’s next, so be it. I’m just ready. I’m ready. (Indiscernible).

Q. Willie, as the co-main event for this fight taking place, do you feel an added pressure getting into the ring or are you doing anything to prepare differently for this?
WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Oh, no, we’re just keeping everything the same. The fight is the fight. Once the bell rings it could be either one of us. So just staying focused and focusing on the task at hand.

Q. Gabe, just curious, I know that you really came close to fighting Saunders off of this card. And you guys had a little back and forth when that fight didn’t take place. You’re known as a guy that’s fought everybody and is highly skilled. At the same time, Saunders called you a world class journeyman. I’m just curious your reaction to being called that, and what do you think about when people do refer to you as a journeyman?

GABRIEL ROSADO: Obviously, if they really believe that he would have taken the fight because why would he want a tough fight if the next fight is supposed to be Canelo? I would assume he wouldn’t want an easy fight. So if I was so easy, he would have taken the fight. So if y’all believe in it, that’s on y’all. Obviously he didn’t take the fight because he feels it’s a threat.

But I’m not even thinking about Billy Jo no more. I’m just focused on this fight and that’s it?

Q. Both of you guys have faced Triple G and now Golovkin is facing a much smaller guy in Kell Brook, I’m just curious your reaction to that fight being made and what do you think will happen in that fight. Willie?

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: I think you’ve got to give props to Kell Brook for taking on a monster like Triple G. I think it’s definitely a daring move. I’m a big believer in step big, win big. So it will be good for Kell Brook either way. But we’ve got to understand also that boxing isn’t what it was yesterday. It’s not what it’s going to be tomorrow. They just have to enjoy what you have in front of you. These are the type of fights that people may complain about or have bad things to say about now, and 15 years from now they’ll talk about how great it was.

So instead of waiting for 15 years from now and look back and say, damn, that was a great opportunity. Again things have to step up, so go ahead and give him his props now.

Q. Do you give Brook a good chance in that fight, or do you think Golovkin is going to be too big and storm through him?

GABRIEL ROSADO: I mean Kell Brook is an awesome boxer and boxing is a cerebral sport. It’s 99.9 mental and .1 physical. And Brook has the experience and knows how to put it together. So mentally if he can neutralize Golovkin’s power and relentlessness, then it’s a fight he can win. I’ll never count any man out, because like I said, boxing is 99.9% mental and .1 physical.

Q. Gabe, I’m curious your thoughts as well with Kell Brook challenging Golovkin? What do you think of the match-up and what do you think will happen in that fight?

GABRIEL ROSADO: I think just the match-up, maybe Brook will box him for a couple of rounds before he gets knocked out. But I mean it’s a welterweight fighting a middleweight, so I don’t think — I mean, skillwise Brook could hang with him, but this is the reason they make weight classes.

WILLIE MONROE, JR.: Thanks to everybody, thanks to HBO. Thanks to pay-per-view. Thanks to Golden Boy and Banner Promotions for giving Willie Monroe this opportunity. And God bless everyone, and September 17th, ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

GABRIEL ROSADO: Yeah, just looking forward to Cowboy Stadium. I’m really, really looking forward to knocking Willie Monroe out.

ERIC GOMEZ: Arthur Pelullo to say a few words.

ARTHUR PELULLO: Yes, I want to thank everybody and I want to thank Eric and Oscar. You can see it’s going to be a heck of a co-feature. Two good fighters, and Willie showed a lot of class today, so it should be an excellent show. I believe that the winner at all time will be in a very good position for Canelo. Thanks a lot to everybody at Golden Boy.

ERIC GOMEZ: I want to echo that it’s going to be an exciting fight. I’m very excited. You just heard it from Gabe Rosado, he’s predicting a knockout. You know he’s going to come guns blazing. It’s going to be a very good fight.

I want to thank everybody that was on the call today. It’s going to be a very exciting undercard. A little bit of everything. You have two guys with their backs against the wall. Going at it, do or die. Then you’ve got some great up and coming fighters, JOSEPH DIAZ, JR., Diego De La Hoya and tough fights with Cancio and Del Valle. Don’t miss it.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting:bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

LOS ANGELES (August 29, 2016) – Fans at AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas will be in for a treat on Saturday, September 17, as top welterweight contenders Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-1, 13 KOs) and Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez (19-1, 11 KOs), make their grand return to the ring in respective 10-round fights. Ali and Gomez will be headlining the preliminary undercard which will start off the action on Mexican Independence Day weekend, ahead of the live Pay-Per-View telecast, on select channels before the pay-per-view event and digitally on HBO Boxing’s YouTube Page, www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, www.ringtvlive.com and additional websites and outlets where Ring TV is available starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT.

Diving head first into the action in the Lone Star State this September will be the pride of Brooklyn, as Sadam “World Kid” Alimakes his grand return to the ring to take on Saul Corral (21-7, 12 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico in a 10-round welterweight fight. The Bronx’s Eddie “E-boy” Gomez will also be participating in a 10-round fight defending his IBF North American Welterweight Title against Mexican fighter Dario “Maczio” Ferman (13-1, 10 KOs).

Part of the non-televised action streaming live on RingTVLive.com and The Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing) starting at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT, a trio of undefeated Texas prospects including super lightweight Vergil Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) of Dallas, and San Antonio’s lightweight Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) and bantamweight Joshua “The Professor” Franco (6-0, 3 KOs) will be looking to make their hometowns proud as they each participate in respective four-round and six-round matches. Franco will be facing Brian Bazan (9-2, 6 KOs) of Mexico City in a six-round bantamweight bout, while fellow stable mate Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (15-0, 7 KOs) will participate in an eight-round super lightweight bout. Also part of the nights events, Alexis Salazar (12-3, 6 KOs) of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico will participate in a super welterweight match to go six rounds, and Anthony Yarde (7-0, 6 KOs) of London, England will open up the night in a six-round light heavyweight fight. Opponents will be announced shortly.

“The preliminary undercard for Canelo vs. Smith features a string of talented and exciting fighters to watch in the ring from rising welterweight contenders to young, thirsty lightweight and bantamweight prospects,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “On Sept. 17, Sadam Ali is determined to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with after a difficult loss to Jessie Vargas earlier this year, and Eddie Gomez will show the fans that he is a threat not to be ignored in the hot welterweight division. Additionally, we have some of Texas’s most promising prospects on the card with Vergil Ortiz, Hector Tanajara, Jr. and Joshua Franco and as fight fans know – some of the best fighters in the sport have come from the Lone Star State. In addition to an exciting undercard, Canelo vs. Smith will be an event that celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with activities to enjoy and celebrate Canelo reclaiming Mexican Independence Day weekend for fight fans.”

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

A member of the 2008 United States Olympic team, Brooklyn’s Sadam World Kid” Ali is one of the best boxers to emerge from New York in recent years, and his victories over the likes of Jeremy Bryan, Luis Carlos “El Potro” Abregu and Francisco “Chia” Santana have allowed him to soar to the top of the welterweight class. In March, Ali suffered the first loss of his professional career in a WBO World Championship fight against Jessie “Ruthless” Vargas, but the road back begins on September 17, and this talented 27-year-old can’t wait.

Mexican Fighter Saul Corral has been looking for a way to break back into the US Fight scene. He is courageously stepping into the ring for second time in the states as he battles Sadam Ali as the main event for the Preliminary Undercard for the live streamed portion HBO’s Canelo versus Smith Pay Per View event. Corral’s last entry to the ring resulted in a victorious technical knockout to receive the WBC FECARBOX welterweight title, as he stopped Francisco Medel at the 5th round in a scheduled 12 round fight. He will be leveraging the win as he steps into the ring, using that as his fuel for his scheduled main-event this 9-17.

A Golden Boy stable mate since 2010, Bronx native Eddie “E Boy” Gomez was born to be a boxing champion. As a two-time Junior Olympic national champion and son of a Honduran boxer Eddie Sr.; Gomez has made a bold mark on professional boxing as well and even impressed the likes of the notorious Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. The 23-year-old fighter has captured 11 KOs under his belt including defeats of well-known boxers Steve Upsher Chambers, Luis Hernandez, and Jovany Javier Gomez. Following an epic takedown of Jonathan Batista a year ago in New York, “E Boy” is filled with a vengeance for a victory when he builds his boxing reputation fighting on the undercard of Canelo vs. Smith.

Hailing from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, Dario “Macizo” Ferman will fight for the first time in Texas to seize the vacant IBF North American Welterweight title as his own. Having been on a winning knockout streak since turning professional three years ago, Ferman will not go down easy as he fights on the undercard of fellow Mexican knockout artist Canelo Alvarez. After a heart wrenching loss to Abel Ramos earlier this year, “Macizo” is fired up for redemption in the ring when he faces the pride of the Bronx, Eddie “E-boy” Gomez this September 17.

Winner of 140 amateur bouts and seven national championships, Dallas’ own Vergil Ortiz Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) got his professional career off to a spectacular start on July 30 when he knocked out Julio Rodas in 97 seconds at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. Now looking to make it two for two, the 18-year-old super lightweight will be getting a home game this September against a soon to be named opponent.

San Antonio’s “El Finito,” Hector Tanajara, Jr. is another Texas star on the rise, and at 19 years old, he hasn’t even started to scratch the surface of his enormous potential. Unbeaten in six bouts, Tanajara has ended four of those bouts in a single round, most recently stopping Francisco “El Mono” Medel on May 25. Tanajara will jump back in the action for a six-round lightweight fight, eager to take on any opponent willing to step up for the challenge.

San Antonio, Texas’s Joshua “The Professor” Franco, who made his debut less than a year ago as a new Golden Boy fighter on the August 6 edition of the popular LA FIGHT CLUB series in Los Angeles, defeating Temoatzin Landeros via split decision, and quickly followed up with a victory over Saul “Bebe” Hernandez at the October installment. He ended 2015 on a high note, with a first round knockout victory over Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico’s Leonard Reyes in December. Franco has stayed active in 2016, having fought three times previously this year and obtained victories once by knockout and twice via unanimous decision.

Tijuana’s Bryan Bazan will step in to the ring to defend his name on Mexican Independence Day weekend, as he fights for the first time in the United States. With experience fighting all over Mexico, Bazan is sure to bring his fans out to cheer him on when he takes on Joshua Franco for a six-round bantamweight battle. Having never been knocked out, this fighter’s resilient spirit and relentless punching power make him an opponent to watch out for.

Proud Brooklyn, New York native Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa built his reputation on the tough local circuit in the Big Apple, but since 2015, the 23-year-old has taken his show on the road, winning fights in Texas, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. In October 2015 of last year, he showed off his massive talent, battling Alejandro Rodriguez at the historic Belasco Theatre, where he got the impressive third round stoppage. He then went on to fight Rosbel Montoya at the DC Armory in Washington DC, as boxing critics praised the young talent’s quick combinations and nearly perfect shoutout of Montaya. Ochoa’s last performance was held at the Belasco theatre, in which he landed a massive knock out against Luis Joel Gonzalez. He is looking to do the same this time around again, as part of the Canelo-Smith PPV undercard.

As a sparring partner to Canelo Alvarez, super welterweight all-star Alexis Salazar has been high on a knockout streak after taking down fellow fighters Victor Marquez and Michel Rosales. After his impressive unanimous decision win on May 25th over Hector Velasquez at the annual Sugar Ray Leonard charity event, this Mexican fighter will be making his second fighting debut on American soil when he faces a soon to be named opponent on the undercard of Canelo vs. Smith.

Opening the mega-fight with the first bout of the night, London, England’s Anthony Yarde will participate in a light heavyweight match scheduled to go six rounds against a soon to be named opponent. Having made quite a reputation for himself, by ending six out of his seven professional bouts by way of knockout, Yarde will beginning the night with a bang as he brings his strength and power in to the ring as the first fight on the Canelo vs. Smith undercard.

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:
Thank you very much. Thank you to all the media. [SPEAKING IN SPANISH]. We are here for the Canelo Alvarez-Liam Smith conference call.

First of all, we want to thank you and welcome the two-time world champion Canelo Alvarez who has a record of 47-1, and won with 33 knockouts.

On September 17th over Mexican Independence weekend, Canelo Alvarez will make his long-anticipated return to Texas to fight Liam Smith who has a record of 23-0 with 13 knockouts, and that will be for the WBO Junior Middleweight Junior championship title at the famed AT&T Stadium, home of America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Texas has been a natural choice for us, and for all Texas fans who love Canelo Alvarez, and the fan base are some of the most loyal for every fight. The fans have shown up in huge crowds wearing red and green, cheering Canelo and chanting his name.

Texas is Canelo’s home away from home, and Canelo versus Smith will be a homecoming celebration for Canelo. We have witnessed some of Canelo’s most epic fights in Texas, from his match with Austin Trout at the Alamo Dome where he filled up 45,000 seats, and obviously when he fought James Kirkland, which was named Knockout Of The Year, at the Minute Maid Park in front of 31,000 screaming fans.

So Cowboys Stadium is a stadium created for larger-than-life fighters, just like Canelo. And the two other fights that have been fought there were headlined by legendary Manny Pacquiao.

We’re excited to announce that ticket sales are going extremely, extremely well. It’s outpacing Manny Pacquiao’s last two fights, which we’re extremely excited about knowing that we will have a full house at the Cowboys Stadium. Tickets are still available, priced from $750 all the way down to $40.

I would like to thank our sponsors, Tecate Cerveza Born Bold and Casa Mexico Tequila. Thank you for your continued support.

And obviously if you can’t be with us live in Dallas, this fight will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View, which is our exclusive and proud partner for this event.

We’re extremely proud and excited to have Canelo Alvarez headline Mexican Independence Day weekend, and this is only the beginning for Canelo Alvarez headlining special weekends for many years to come. So it’s a perfect fit that we stage this fight in Texas to be shown across the globe.

At this time, I would like to introduce to you one of the team members who makes everything happen, who gets Canelo in shape, who has the strategy, who has been doing a wonderful job with his premier. I would like to introduce to you a man they call “Chepo,” and that is Jose “Chepo” Reynoso. Chepo?

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer to Canelo Alvarez (Via Translator):

We’re very excited. We’re very relaxed right now, but we’re very excited in anticipating with a lot of enthusiasm September 17 so that all the fans can celebrate and say “viva Mexico,” “viva Canelo.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you. And next I would like to introduce to you the man who trains him, the man who gets on the mitts with him, strategizes. If you look at Canelo’s last fights, he’s been growing, he’s been improving. He’s only getting better. And Canelo is a fighter who wants to be the very best, and he will stop at nothing to get to that goal of his.

So next up I would like to introduce to you the trainer, Eddy Reynoso. Eddy?

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Alvarez (Via Translator):

Good afternoon, everybody, and what can I say? We’re three weeks out from the fight. We’re very happy. Canelo’s been working very, very hard. He’s looking great, and we can’t wait for September 17th.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Without further ado, I’d like to now introduce to you the former two-time world champion. Since the age of 15, when he turned pro, he’s accumulated a record that is bar none, like no other in boxing today.

At the tender age of 26, he’s already fought the very best fighters out there there is to fight, and the best is yet to come. Fighters like “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather, fighters like Alfredo Angulo, Miguel Cotto, fighters like Erislandy Lara, fighters like Austin Trout.

I believe there is no fighter today at the age of 26 who has fought so many ex-world champions and current world champions.

So he hails out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, with a record of 47-1 and 33 knockouts. It’s my pleasure to you to introduce Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion (Via Translator):

Good afternoon, everybody. Thank you, all, for being on the call. Thank you for the support for this fight, for supporting me. This is going to be a great event, and you don’t want to miss it. Thank you all for participating on this call.

Q. Canelo, I just wanted to ask you how much have you studied Liam Smith? And from your perspective, why is this the right fight for you at this time?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes, I have looked at him, and the style more than anything is what we like. He’s a good fighter, he’s a champion. He’s very strong. He’s got a Mexican style, you know, a guy that stands there and likes to exchange punches, so that’s one of the things that attracted us to the fight.

And, you know, part of the reason for choosing him is he’s a world champion. I want to win another world title in my weight class, 154. Then after that we’ll see what’s available.

Q. When you look at him, he does seem like he’s very aggressive. Do you think that aggression will exist knowing that he’s fighting you?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): No, I don’t think he’s going to change his style. I think he’s going to do what he does best — be aggressive, throw combination, keep coming forward. That’s what he does best. But, obviously, for me, I’m always ready for any style. I prepare myself for any style and I’ll be ready for anything.

Q. It’s been a long time since a Mexican fighter has been the A side of the equation promoting a promotion on Mexican Independence. How do you feel, and was that your goal? And now that you’ve reached your goal, are you happy?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): His answer was yes, I’m very excited. Very excited. I’m happy. It’s an honor for me to represent my country. This is what I wanted. These are the dates that are important for our country, for Mexicans, and I’m here and I’m going to take every advantage of it.

Q. First of all, did you see the Olympics, and what do you think about the critics? There are a lot of critics in Mexico that criticized a lot of the athletes for their performances. Do you think it’s something that’s right or do you think it’s changed?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): Yes, it’s unfortunate, but that happens a lot in Mexico. They criticize the athletes. The athletes are the ones that pretty much put Mexico on the map internationally, and it’s a shame that some things they get criticized so harshly. It’s something that should change, and I think if we were all supporting each other, we’d be in a better place.

Q. Canelo, I wonder what your thoughts are about fighting in Texas again.

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): I feel very happy. For me, I’ve always been treated very, very well, a warm reception each time I fight in Texas. For me, the most important thing is to give them a good fight and that’s what I want to do. I want to give them a good fight. They’ve always treated me well in Texas, and I love being in Texas.

Q. Have you seen AT&T Stadium yet? What are your impressions of it?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): It’s very impressive, very, very impressive how big it is. And the big screen, and it’s very, very beautiful. It’s impressive and it motivates me. It motivates me just imagining how it’s going to be on September 17th. It’s something that gets me really excited, and I can’t wait. I can’t wait to get out there and fight.

Q. Eric, you were just talking about the fans. Basically they’re tough on their own people over there in Mexico. So that’s kind of what I’ve always thought. Can you ask him when the decision was made for him to not fight Golovkin until September of next year, can you ask if he was concerned about how his fans might react, and has he received any negative feedback for not fighting Golovkin sooner?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): Yeah, you know, there’s always going to be critics. They’re always there, and it’s something that’s part of it. It’s part of the business. Obviously there’s good critics sometimes and there’s bad critics. But the most important thing is it doesn’t faze me. It doesn’t faze me. That’s fine, I’m used to it now, and I’ve got to do what’s best for my career.

Q. Oscar, I think most people will figure that the decision to wait until next year for Golovkin was probably yours. How tough was it to make that decision knowing that — because we all know how people are, whether it’s fair or it’s not, with social media today, right away you’re going to have people saying, oh, he’s ducking Golovkin, blah, blah, blah. How tough was it to make the decision to wait another year?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, it’s basically the team’s decision, you know? I mean, Canelo knows his body. His trainers know his body, and the bottom line is Canelo is a 154-pound fighter. The fact that he fought at 155, people expect him to go up and fight at middleweight, and that’s not the case. He’s a 54-pounder, and he’s going to go up to 160 when his body feels ready.

People will always talk and will always want the very best when you are on top of the world, and that’s what Canelo is right now. He’s on top. He is the star fighter in boxing, and people want him to fight the very best. And he has always fought the very best. And fighting a Golovkin is going to be no exception. He’s going to fight him, but when he’s ready to move up to 160.

Q. This is Liam Smith’s first fight abroad. Does it give you an advantage that you’re used to fighting in front of the big crowds in America?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): I really don’t think about that. It’s something that really doesn’t cross my mind. I’m preparing for the best possible Liam Smith there is. I don’t think about the crowd. I don’t think about people cheering. I just go up there, and my focus is to get the job done.

Q. Do you think that for Liam Smith it benefits him to stand toe to toe and fight you toe to toe, knowing that you’re a very big puncher yourself, very powerful? Do you think it’s something that will be an advantage, or do you think he should maybe change his game plan?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): No, that’s his style. That’s what he’s going to do. He’s a guy that’s very strong as well. He’s a strong puncher and throws combination and he’s aggressive. So I’m preparing for the best possible Liam Smith there is. I’m going to go with my game plan. He can go with his game plan, and may the better man win.

Q. What do you think about the story about the bronze medalist out of Mexico? He won the bronze medal in boxing. He told a story about having to raise money for himself to go to Brazil and there wasn’t really too much support from the government.

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): It’s very sad, it’s very sad, but it’s common in Mexico. The support for boxing itself is not very good, and boxing has given Mexico many world champions. It’s got a great history, but it’s sad. It’s unfortunate. It happened to me when I was an amateur. That’s part of the reason I became a pro because the support wasn’t really there. So it’s very, very sad and hopefully it can change.

Q. There’s always a tendency to criticize your opponents. It doesn’t matter who you fight. They’re always criticizing, whether the guy’s too big, he’s too small, he’s not at your level. They’re always criticizing him. Do you get tired of that?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): No, look, it’s always going to be there. I’m used to it. All I can do is worry about winning the fight and studying my opponent so there are no surprises, and that’s what I worry about.

Q. Obviously you’re fighting this fight with Liam Smith, if you win the fight, are you planning on defending the title or will you start making your move to 160 and start preparing for Golovkin?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): I can’t keep fighting this fight thinking about Golovkin. I’m preparing for Liam Smith. That’s what’s important to me. My train of thought is not to see what’s down the line. I’ve got to get ready for the fight. This is a real fight. I’m not the one that has to prepare for Golovkin. He better prepare for me.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Yes, that’s correct. This is a tough fight with Liam Smith. It’s not a walk-over fight. It’s a tough fight. And first things first, we’ve got to get past him and then we’ll deal with future fights. But as of right now, everything is geared to fighting against Liam Smith and being successful.

Q. Oscar, if you could clarify what the building is scaled for, what AT&T Stadium is scaled for? Is it going to be full capacity? Is it scaled back a little bit? Do you know the exact number?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: I don’t know the exact number. I do know that the building can be scaled for as many as over 80,000 people. So, like I said, ticket sales are going incredibly well. We’re outpacing the last two Manny Pacquiao fights that were held at AT&T Stadium. So Jerry Jones is extremely happy. The fans are happy. We’re happy. And I’m sure that Canelo and Liam Smith are going to be really happy when they see the turnout at the arena.

Q. Oscar, if you do a number better than the Pacquiao fights, which would be a very big number, how encouraging would that be for you to go back maybe immediately to Cowboys Stadium for the next fight?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, I mean, look, it would be very impressive. But at this point nothing surprises me with Canelo. Like I said, he’s only getting better. He has a tremendous fan base, and ticket sales show it. He has millions and millions of fans around the world, and ticket sales are proving that.

So I believe that it’s not if he outsells the Pacquiao fights at the AT&T arena. I think the question is going to be when he outsells the Pacquiao ticket sales at the arena. I strongly believe that at the age of 26 years old, Canelo is a bigger star and a better fighter compared to any fighter out there today.

Q. Oscar, would you say if Canelo sells out AT&T, would that be kind of a passing of the torch basically from you to him as the certified Mexican star?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, the passing of the torch has already taken place. With Mayweather being retired and Pacquiao being retired, Canelo is the face of boxing now. He’s proven it with ticket sales. He’s proven it with Pay-Per-Views, and he’s going to prove it once again by outselling Manny Pacquiao at the AT&T arena.

So I believe this is just the beginning for Canelo, and he has a long future ahead for himself. We can’t wait to be part of it.

Q. What is it about Texas that does good business for y’all? Because I’ve been going to fights since the Trout one before he even fought Mayweather, and he sold that out. So I’m looking for the 85,000. What is that connection? Can you talk about the connection that Canelo has with the Texas people?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, Texas loves Canelo. Texas loves boxing. I mean, just like any other part of the world, people love Canelo and they want to see Canelo because he brings excitement to the sport. He brings exciting fights.

And this fight here with Liam Smith is going to be a toe-to-toe, “right in the center of the ring” type of action fight. That’s why people love Canelo. He works hard, he’s a serious fighter, and he brings a lot of action to the table.

Q. Canelo, do you feel super comfortable when you fight in Texas? Because it seems like your best performances, couple of your best performances I’ve been here, with the Trout fight and the Kirkland fight, and it seems you don’t mind getting into the toe-to-toe war and giving us what we want, a spectacular knockout. Is that your mindset heading into this fight with Smith September 17th?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): I feel happy. I feel very happy and comfortable fighting there. Yes, I’ve had some very good performances. September 17th is not going to be an exception. I’m looking for another great performance. I just feel very happy with the reception I get in Texas. It feels very good being there.

Q. Oscar, I know that there have been some recent Pay-Per-Views that have struggled, talking about Crawford-Postol, and even going back to Mayweather-Berto, didn’t really do that well. What do you expect for this show in terms of Pay-Per-View numbers? Do you think it will exceed Canelo’s fight against Amir Khan, which did about I think like 600,000 Pay-Per-Views?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, we can’t really tell how many.

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions: Well, first of all, that number’s wrong, Mitchy. It wasn’t that much for the Kahn fight. But go ahead, Oscar.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: We really can’t say how many Pay-Per-Views he’s going to sell, but we’re expecting a big number as always. We strongly feel that Canelo’s star power is only growing. And as we get closer to the fights, we’ll have a better indication.

But we always gauge our numbers by how many tickets we’re selling in the arena. And as you know, we’re outpacing Manny Pacquiao in ticket sales at the AT&T Arena. So we expect a really strong number come September 17.

Q. Liam Smith, a lot of people stateside don’t know him or haven’t heard of him, so he doesn’t really have a big name, though we know he’s a champion and undefeated. Are you preparing differently for this fight knowing that you’re fighting a guy like that?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): Look, whether people consider if he has a name or not, he’s still a very good fighter. He’s a champion and he’s undefeated for the right reasons. So I’m preparing like I always do, 100%. I’m getting ready for this fight. I’ll be prepared for everything. I just don’t want any surprises, but this is going to be a tough fight.

Q. What are the plans right now, if there are any, involving Billy Joe Saunders?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, there are no plans right now. The only plan that we have is to stage an exciting event September 17th. Like I said before, if everything goes well, then September 18th we’ll start getting to work once again to see what’s next for Canelo.

Q. I understand that the focus is always on the fight right in front of you. But Gomez had said that the hope was still to go forward with Billy Joe Saunders for a future fight. So, again, I ask you, is that still the plan after this fight, to go forward with Billy Joe Saunders as the next fight?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: There is a possibility, but right now the focus 100% is on Liam Smith.

Q. Okay. What in your mind is the difference between Canelo, who you said is a 154-pounder right now, and being physically ready to fight Billy Joe Saunders next, and not Gennady Golovkin?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, like I said, our focus and Canelo’s focus is fighting at 154, and after this fight his team and ourselves will sit down and discuss future opponents.

Q. Oscar, we talked a little bit about the Pay-Per-View, and Golden Boy always has this standard for great undercards with their shows. With a lot of the struggles with Luis Ortiz and Billy Joe Saunders, do you guys feel this undercard will give the fans more than they can expect with fights like Gabriel Rosado and Willie Monroe being put together? Do you feel this undercard will be able to hold up to the standard of regular Golden Boy undercards?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Absolutely. We at Golden Boy pride ourselves in giving the fans the most exciting and the best fights possible, and that’s exactly what we’ve put together. See, the fight fans in Dallas, Texas, or across the globe want to see action, and that’s what Canelo brings to the table. Canelo brings action, excitement, and our undercards are obviously no exception. Our undercards are always full of excitement and great fights.

Q. Canelo, fighting in Texas has been a lot of great Mexican fighters, Oscar himself, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez. You yourself are the next great Mexican fighter up. Is there any added pressure for you, not just fighting in Texas, but living up to the Mexican tradition and performing well and delivering a great fight in Texas?

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever. The only pressure I have for any of my fights is just to prepare 100%. That’s it. That’s been my mindset, to be ready and prepare 100%. That’s where I get my confidence. But none of that stuff really pressures me. I want to do my best and give a great performance.

As far as being the next great from Mexico, no, I don’t really think about that. It’s no pressure whatsoever, as long as I’m doing my job.

THE MODERATOR: We are ready for closing comments.

CANELO ALVAREZ (Via Translator): I just want to thank everybody for participating on this call. Thank you for the support as always, and I’ll see you guys September 17th. We’ll see each other really soon.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much. We will see you all the week of September 17th, and we’re looking forward to an exciting event. Like I said, tickets are still available. They are going fast, and, again, outpacing the Manny Pacquiao fights. And Jerry Jones is excited, I’m excited, and we can’t wait. Thank you.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium, doors open at 2:30 p.m. CT. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting:bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.