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Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez calls for showdown with Gennady Golovkin after beating Liam Smith in nine rounds in Dallas

Boxing

LIAM SMITH lost his WBO light-middleweight title to Mexican powerhouse, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez after a devastating ninth-round knock-out.

And immediately after the fight, Canelo called out hard-hitting WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight champion, Gennady Golovkin.

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Canelo Alvarez celebrates after knocking out Liam Smith during the WBO Junior Middleweight World fight at AT&T Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Saul Alvarez celebrates after ninth-round stoppage of Liam Smith in DallasCredit: Getty Images

He said: "He doesn't want to accept.

"I fear no man. I am the best at this sport. I want to fight the best.

"About a month ago, we offered 'GGG' three or four times as much to make the fight."

Smith’s defeat in Dallas was only the first of his career after 25 unbeaten and was the third defence of the title he won in October 2015.

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Canelo Alvarez, left, fights with Liam Smith, right, during the WBO Junior Middleweight World fight at AT&T Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Canelo Alvarez lands a hard-right on Liam Smith on a gruelling night in DallasCredit: Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Liam Smith grimaces after being knocked down by Canelo Alvarez during the WBO Junior Middleweight World fight at AT&T Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Liam Smith grimaces after being knocked to the canvas Saul Alvarez in DallasCredit: Getty Images

The 28-year-old, who was also floored in the seventh, failed to beat the counting following a body punch.

And he admitted Canelo was just too strong.

He added: "I am very disappointed. Canelo was too good. My timing was off."

A showdown between the 26-year-old Mexican puncher and Golovkin would be one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.

Canelo Alvarez, left, takes a shot from Liam Smith fight during the WBO Junior Middleweight championship boxing match at the stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Alvarez won with a knock out in the ninth round. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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Liam Smith lands a shot on Canelo but ultimately concedes title after ninth-round KOCredit: AP:Associated Press

Canelo’s only defeat in 50 professional bouts came against Floyd Mayweather on points in 2013 — though he has one draw.

While Golovkin’s reputation grows after beating Kell Brook to extend his unbeaten record to 36 fights — which includes 33 knock outs.

Canelo also knocked out Amir Khan in the sixth round of their Las Vegas showdown last month.

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