Canelo says on July 12 we will see who hits who

Oscar De La Hoya has labelled this weekend’s clash between Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara as a battle for ‘honour and glory’. 

The boxing legend, and boss at Golden Boy Promotions, will see his premier charge Alvarez take on one of his toughest fights to date when he steps in against the slick Lara at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live this Saturday night on BoxNation. 

“This fight is not about a title. This fight is about honour and glory,” said De La Hoya. “When people say I didn't want this fight for Canelo, obviously it wasn't the first choice. As a promoter you don't want the most difficult fight out there for him. 

“But this is what Canelo's all about, ultimately it's his decision, and his decision is a very calculated decision. He's confident in his abilities, and he wants to fight the very best. That's the bottom line,” he said. 

The fiery red-headed Alvarez is coming off an impressive stoppage win over Mexican rival Alfredo Angulo. 

He suffered a setback when he was convincingly beaten by pound-for-pound star Mayweather but has shown great resolve as he looks to re-establish himself amongst boxing’s best with victory this weekend. 

“I improve on every fight and I gain experience, I get better and without an exception this isn't going to be anything different. We feel very confident and very comfortable,” said Alvarez. 

“Lara’s one of the best fighters out there in the world in this weight division, so the winner of this fight will, without a doubt, be the best fighter in the division,” he said. 

“I'm not going to get into his games. If I didn't want the fight [with Lara], the fight wouldn't be happening. The fight is here because I wanted the fight. And on July 12th we're going to see who hits who,” he said. 

“It doesn't matter what they say [about Angulo]. They can say whatever they want. I'm not going to lose sleep over that. I know what I did. I know I did a very good fight. But that fight's behind us. That fight's in the past. Now I'm preparing for the next fight and for the future,” said Alvarez.