There were no issues at today’s official weigh-in for tomorrow night’s WBO 154-pound title clash between defending champ Liam Smith and challenger Saul Canelo Alvarez. Both men tipped-in at 154 pounds exactly and both fighters looks to be in great physical condition. Canelo was first to the scale and though he stripped naked to make 154, he made it at the first attempt; putting an end to this week’s rumours that he had been struggling with his weight.
Smith, smiling the same way Canelo was, also came in at 154 on the nose. When asked if he thought Canelo looked at all drained, Smith said no, not at all. “He looked the same as he looked yesterday,” the defending champion from Liverpool said. “All week I said he’d make weight as he’s a professional. But he shouldn’t get credit for making weight, that’s what he’s supposed to do.”
Canelo did gulp down approx a half-bottle of Gatoraid after his trip to the scale, but he did not look drained, weakened or at all distressed at having made 154. Both men look ripped and ready for action and both men are anticipating a good action fight. There are not too many experts (Brits aside) picking the undefeated Smith to remain that way tomorrow night in Texas, but some good judges have predicted a long fight, some saying we will see a distance fight.
Canelo has to be the pick to get the win, but when you’re a boxing superstar, it’s not just winning, its how you win. Can Canelo score a highlight reel KO tomorrow? Both men appear to be supremely confident.
Prediction: a brave Smith survives a trip to the canvas to make it all the way to the final bell, only to lose via wide unanimous decision.
