Two days before they enter the ring for "Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara," Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and undercard fighters on Saturday's SHOWTIME PPV® four-fight telecast took part in the final press conference at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand.
Here is what the participants had to say at Thursday's final press conference:
CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBA & WBC Super Welterweight World Champion
"This fight is important because Lara are and I are the best two fighters in our weight class.
"He might not have the most recognizable name, but in the boxing world, everybody knows he is the most dangerous opponent. This will be a very important victory.
"How will I beat him? With speed, movement and combinations.
"You can't predict a knockout; a knockout comes on its own. Sometimes, as much as you want it, it doesn't come. If it comes, I will take advantage of it. But if it doesn't, I will be ready for 12 rounds.
"I'm just waiting anxiously for the weigh-in. For many fighters this is the tensest part of training. We're just waiting to weigh-in and fight.
"Without a doubt this is one of the best opponents that I'll ever have. But I'm always going to look for tough opponents, tough rivals. I want to fight the best.
"A title doesn't matter to me for this fight. This fight is for honor, for glory. We'll go for a world title next year.
"He's a fighter that moves very well. He has very tight defense, but the thing that doesn't move well is his feet, his legs.
"I haven't been watching or studying tapes. We know his style; he has a very difficult style. But we've prepared to break down that style. We worked for a difficult style, for a southpaw. Without a doubt we had the right sparring partners. It's not an easy fight but we've prepared for everything."
ERISLANDY LARA, WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion
"We're ready I don't think there's much more to say. I'm ready for this fight and we'll see you all July 12.
"Every fighter that I've fought has been heavier than me and I've been able to deal with them, so we're not worried about Canelo's size. Everyone goes into the ring how they feel comfortable. I'm not worried about his weight on fight day.
"We're going to wait for him. We're going to see what he can show.
"The Cuban style is the best style in boxing. Everybody knows that we win the most medals at the Olympics, at international tournaments. And that's shown throughout our history.
"I just keep working, working hard. Anybody who comes to this country is dreaming of this opportunity. I need to take advantage of it."