Alvarez takes on Hatton's brother
The red-headed, freckle-faced slugger, ubiquitously known as "Canelo" - the Spanish word for cinnamon - will fight for the vacant WBC super welterweight belt against Matthew Hatton, the less heralded brother of former 140lb champion Ricky Hatton, at Anaheim's Honda Centre tonight.
"I didn't expect it to happen this quickly, but I've been preparing for this for a long time," said Alvarez, who turned pro at 15.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I still have to earn it."
If Alvarez wins the fight, he would become the youngest boxer to win the 154lb title.