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Boxing champion Canelo Alvarez who has won world championships in four weight divisions takes on the Englishman Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday night for the WBO title.

Alvarez is coming into the ring at 168 pounds and chances are he will come out victorious. He is a boxer with tremendous technique who possesses knockout power and is able to change up strategy given the opponent or circumstances.

A well-built fighter, Alvarez is dedicated to his craft.

Boxing has lost its allure these days with so-called fighters popping up on YouTube, dubious exhibitions and all manner of gimmicks debasing the sport.

Alvarez is a throwback to the boxing legends of the past. He takes on all comers. He has already fought twice in the last six months and is hungry for more glory. He is the real deal.

Hailing from Mexico, he is part of a long line of champions from that country. He is a straight talker and a man of purpose, a fantastic ambassador for the sport.

Many commentators believe that Saunders will provide a tough test for Alvarez but the Mexican’s experience, power and sheer will should see him prevail.

He will go down in history as one of the best boxers of all time.

Having unified the super middleweight division the question is: Can he conquer the light heavyweight division as well?

That would be a phenomenal accomplishment not beyond his capabilities.

Saunders is undefeated but, in Alvarez, he will be up against an unrelenting pitbull that has plenty of bite.

The Englishman says he is a Gypsy warrior, just like his compatriot Tyson Fury, and will take down Alvarez.

“I’ve been boxing since I have been five years old and been dragged up on Gypsy camps. We can all have the tough talk growing up as kids but I’m here for a reason. There is no other reason for me to be a part of this thing other than to win.

‘It’s not about the fame, it’s not about anything else, it’s not about the publicity. Win. And I don’t think he has somebody come to win for a very, very long time. A lot of people turn up, fly in, collect cheques and they are out but we haven’t had someone with the heart, soul and IQ that I’ll bring to the ring on Saturday night to win,” says Saunders.

Trust me, Canelo Alvarez has heart, soul and IQ and he has demonstrated those qualities consistently in his fights.

Saunders threatened to walk away from this unification fight, complaining the ring was too small but with a £7-million payday, changed his mind.

“I know we’ve got the reality stars and all this kind of stuff. We have to show people that boxing is a powerful sport. And you only do that with fights like this and events like this and a crowd like this and an atmosphere like this”

Eddie Hearn, boxing promoter

So why is this fight so important?

Promoter Eddie Hearn explains: “I know we’ve got the reality stars and all this kind of stuff. We have to show people that boxing is a powerful sport. And you only do that with fights like this and events like this and a crowd like this and an atmosphere like this.

“Without these kinds of events, boxing is f—ed. So that’s why this is so important.”

Canelo has put his marker down as a great fighter. Giving insight into his ambitions, he said: “I don’t fear anyone. We don’t come to play in this sport. I’m honoured and blessed by God to be in the sport I love, and I want to accomplish all the goals I set in the sport of boxing – to be successful and make history.”

Catch the big fight on Flow Sports on Saturday.