Lightweight star Ryan Garcia says he feels blessed to train alongside Canelo Alvarez and that the Mexican boxing icon will probably defeat WBA Super 168lbs champion Callum Smith inside the distance in their clash at the Alamodome, San Antonio, on Saturday night.
Both Garcia and Canelo are preparing for British opposition, with the Californian hotshot closing in on a January 2 date with Luke Campbell at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) believes training with Canelo under the tutelage of respected trainer Eddy Reynoso is elevating his performance levels as a fighter and that he expects his friend and stablemate to take care of business in impressive fashion tomorrow.
“We’re always talking about boxing and he knows what he’s up against,” Garcia told TalkSport. “Yes, Callum Smith is a giant compared to Canelo, but that’s what Canelo loves – Canelo loves challenges, trust me.
“Canelo could’ve fought anybody closer to his size and it would’ve been easy work for him. But he’s taking on a bigger man and I have no doubt that he’ll figure it out, he’ll get the victory and he’ll probably stop him.”
Garcia feels that training with Canelo, day in, day out, is rapidly improving his game as he prepares for his career litmus test against former amateur star Campbell next month.
“Every day I’m paying attention, every day I’m watching, every day I’m learning more and now I’m ready,” said Garcia. “There’s no better time for this type of fight, it’s the best time for me to start fighting these top dudes and I’m telling you, I’m ready for this.
“I’m blessed. I have Canelo on the right hand of me, [promoter] Oscar [De La Hoya] on the left, [Golden Boy Promotions Partner] Bernard [Hopkins] right in front of me. I’m ready to go and I’ve put a lot of work, time and effort into this, so yeah, we’re ready.”
Main image: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions.