Liam Smith has called for "respect" from the judges as he prepares to try to defend his WBO super-welterweight title against Saul Alvarez on Saturday night.

Smith is travelling to Texas to face one of the sport's pound-for-pound stars on Mexico's Independence Day, and while the Liverpudlian is the huge underdog, he has suggested that he is wary of losing on points should the world title bout go the distance.

The 28-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "If I win the fight then make sure I get the decision. Give me the respect I deserve. I'm the champion, even though I am the B-side.

"Canelo's the big name. It's Mexican Independence Day, so I know that. But I hope they'll respect that I'm champion and be fair."

Smith is unbeaten in 24 outings in the paid ranks while Canelo has only suffered defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr in 49 fights.