Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez believes Billy Joe Saunders is disliked by most boxing fans - and that includes the rowdy fans of the UK.

The two world champions will collide on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

In that contest, the WBC, WBA, WBO super middleweight titles will be at stake.

Canelo feels very motivated by the constant trash talk from Saunders, who verbally took aim at the Mexican fighter several years ago.

When both boxers were competing at the middleweight limit of 160-pounds, there was talk of them fighting but the contest never came together. Saunders was the WBO champion at 160, while Canelo held the WBC, WBA titles. Now they will settle their differences at 168.

“90 percent of the people don't like him. This fight is different because he has four years talking sh!t about me," Canelo told promoter Eddie Hearn on the No Passion No Point podcast on BBC.

“Before the first Golovkin fight he was there talking sh!t about me. That's why it is different for me. I'm the same way. My mind is calm. Saturday night it is going to be different, he is in a different level fight now. He's going to see what is going to happen. This isn't like [Martin] Murray or other guys he has fought before. I feel a little better, that motivates me more."

Their bout was initially scheduled for May of last year in Las Vegas. The entire event was canceled back due to  the coronavirus pandemic.

Saunders has been inactive for the last few years, but saw action last December with a decision win over Martin Murray. On the other side of things, Canelo is taking part in his third fight in five months.