Liam Smith relishing underdog status ahead of Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez fight

The undefeated 28-year-old faces the biggest test of his career against the Mexican who has so far succeeded Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao as the world's most popular fighter.

At Texas' 80,000 capacity AT&T Stadium on Saturday he makes the third defence of his title, and is aware he is widely expected to lose.

Alvarez in May stopped Smith's friend Amir Khan in six rounds, when two of the three judges oddly had him winning despite many observers believing Khan should have led.

It is also Mexican Independence Day on Friday, strengthening the feeling a platform has been built for Alvarez to excel upon. The Liverpudlian, however, said: "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.

"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. 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.

"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."

Strengthening Smith's argument he is being overlooked, Alvarez has again discussed a potential fight with WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, one which would be the biggest in the sport.

"Any day, any time," said the 26-year-old, according to Sky Sports. "When the negotiations are done and the fight is done, I will be ready. They need to worry about it, not me.

"I'm not worried at all about going to 160lb. I'm a strong fighter, I'm a fighter who can adapt to my surroundings.

"I will say this one more time. They need to worry. They need to make something happen.

"I have always known what he has and what he does not. He had an opponent who moved a little and we saw what we saw.

"I have never worried about him or others. I just want to create my own history. I have been fighting the best, I am just 26 and have fought in the biggest arenas.

"I have no regrets, I want that fight and it will happen."