Billy Joe Saunders was greeted by a chanting crowd of fellow travellers when he arrived at the head to head press conference before Saturday’s world super middleweight title mega fight here.
Canelo Álvarez walked through the throng smiling and quietly asked some of the cheerleaders: ‘What’s his name?’
Britain’s most naturally gifted boxer said: ‘Canelo is a great champion but most of his opponents just turn up for the pay cheque. None have brought the heart and soul and will to win that I will take into this stadium.’
The Mexican, rated the best pound for pound boxer in the world, said: ‘He’s a good fighter but boxing is my life and this is another day at the office. I’m here to win.’
This AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, will set a 70,000 all time record for an indoor fight in America as Covid-19 restrictions lift in Texas.
The fight will decide who walks away with the WBC and WBA titles held by Álvarez and Saunders’ WBO title as well as the Ring magazine belt.
With very few Brits able to fly to the US, Álvarez says: ‘I’m used to big crowds and it always excites me to hear so many thousands roaring ‘Canelo, Canelo.’
Says Saunders: ‘There will be gypsies from all over America cheering for me. ‘
Who to believe? The bookies have no doubts, making Canelo a heavy odds-on favourite, Billy Joe at least a 4-1 underdog.
