WBO magically puts Alvarez in #1 spot at 154

[IamInuit]

Liam should demand 153 and refuse to fight anywhere but Britain.

[Ron Swanson]

How will Canelo duck Andrade is what I wonder. I hope Andrade doesn't fight one of the Charlos and let Canelo sit in a soft seat.

[J_Undisputed]

Oh for f*cks sake... I guess Oscar is back in heels and makeup turning tricks for favors now...

[powerpuncher]

If canelo goes back down to 154 it should be for andrade or a charlo brother. I thought he was too big for 154? It's pointless to go back down unless he is going to fight the best. I would rather him fight a decent middle. Also this is on PPV? Only an idiot would order this fight. Canelo may not even be a top 10 p4p guy and probably isn't even the best in his division, yet he gets to fight PPV and we are supposed to pay for it?

[IamInuit]

Well, that was quick.

Canelo opponent named: Liam “Beefy” Smith

Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) will look to win his third title in the junior middleweight division when he challenges undefeated heavy-hitter Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) for the WBO junior middleweight world championship on Saturday, September 17. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Information regarding venue and tickets will be announced shortly.

Canelo Alvarez: “I am very pleased to announce my next fight against Liam Smith, a tremendous fighter with real knockout power, and the WBO junior middleweight world title owner. I have no doubt that this fight will be give and take, which will fill the expectations of the fans, and I will work with all the enthusiasm as I always do to get the upper hand on 17 September.”

Liam Smith: “I am delighted to get the opportunity to defend my world title against the biggest name in world boxing and to headline in the U.S. which is a dream I have had since I started in the sport of boxing. This fight allows me to make my name in the U.S. and show just how good I am and this is the big stage that will enable me to do that…I am confident of winning this fight and returning to the great city of Liverpool with my belt still around my waist.”

Oscar De La Hoya: “This fight will be a slugfest between two heavy hitters, and I have little doubt that it will end with a 10-count. Canelo is the biggest star in our sport today, and with a victory on September 17, at the age of just 26 he can add yet another chapter to his already-incredible career.”

Frank Warren: “Liam grabbed the opportunity to defend his WBO title against Alvarez. This is a fantastic chance for Liam to showcase his talent in such a high profile fight. He believes, as do I, that he has the tools to beat Alvarez and stake his own claim to be the world’s best.”

Canelo opponent named: Liam “Beefy” Smith | Boxing News | Fightnews

[TitoFan]

The only surprise here is everyone's surprise.

[palmerq]

How will Canelo duck Andrade is what I wonder. I hope Andrade doesn't fight one of the Charlos and let Canelo sit in a soft seat.

I would guess move back up to 155 and fight some relatively easy opponents there.