STEVIE G BACKS SMITHY

STEVEN GERRARD plans to lead the Scouse support for fellow Liverpool lad Liam Smith when he takes on Saul Alvarez in his biggest fight so far.

Smith, 28, will meet the man known as ‘Canelo’ at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday night with his WBO lightmiddleweight title on the line.

And pal Gerrard, who is sidelined at LA Galaxy after injuring a hamstring, is hoping to jet in from his Beverly Hills home to cheer him on.

Smith said: “Steven is supposed to be going to the fight.

“I’ve had a conversation with him about it and because of his injury he might be able to make it.

”He’s a big fan of boxing but he’s also a friend of the family.

“It would be great to have him there if he can make it, but we will have to see.”

Smith is under no illusions about the challenge ahead of him against the Mexican, who is the WBC middleweight champion.

Canelo’s last outing was against Amir Khan, who stepped up two weights to meet him – and after six relatively even rounds he knocked out the British fighter with a thunderous punch.

Smith, making his third defence of the title he won against John Thompson last October, added: “It’s a step up but I’m ready for this fight.

“I’m not a 32 or 33-year-old looking for a pay day.”