Callum Smith eager to show his skill and fulfill a dream against Canelo
Going into his next fight, WBA super world super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (27-0, 19 KO’s) suffers from no delusions. He realizes that he is the underdog and most are counting him out against WBA super world middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s). Luckily for him, this is no big deal for the UK import. In his estimation, he has been underestimated before and therefore he is not losing any sleep over the matter now.
Furthermore, he is far too happy to arrive on this grand stage to be worried about the cackling of naysayers. From the very inception of his career he has sought to involve himself in the biggest prizefights available, and it does not get very much bigger than facing the sport’s poster boy and resident cash cow! Yet, Smith is not here just to look good and collect a check. He has every intention on defeating Alvarez.
“I’m in the position that I’ve always wanted to be, ever since I was a little boy, and especially since turning professional. The goal was always to reach the very top and be involved in the biggest fights possible on the biggest stage for the biggest prizes and I am here now. So I just got to enjoy it. There is no bigger fight possible for me, I finally got the fight I wanted and I am in a very good place mentally and physically. I feel ready to go, ready to perform and I am just excited. I can’t get worked up on nerves or anything because I am in the position I always wanted to be in.”
SIZE, SKILL AND POWERS
For those who are giving Mundo a shot at victory, they think it will be due to his substantial height and reach advantage. Smith agrees that will be a great aide during the fight. However, he does not believe that these physical elements are his only tools.
“I’m not just a big lump with limited ability, I believe I’ve got skills to go with it. I don’t believe I would be in the position that I am now if I didn’t have no skills and ability. And tactically, I believe that we have it spot on and I just have to perform and do exactly what I know I can. I’ve watched Canelo over the years and as a fan, but I’ve always watched him believing if that was me in there, I believe I can beat him. I’ve always felt that stylistically I have the style to do it and now I have the chance to prove it.”
It will be intriguing to see how the bout plays out in the ring. Can Smith consistently sharp-shoot the tenacious Alvarez with his long jab? Will the Mexican boxing sensation find a way penetrate Mundo’s defense and pound on his tall, lean frame? Either way, it should make for some great action no matter who comes out on top.
By: Bakari Simpson
