By Miguel Rivera

World champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is back in the capital of Jalisco after spending six weeks training in Big Bear, California, where he acquired his excellent physical shape for his first defense of the WBC super welterweight world title. In front of numerous fans, he trained hard while showcasing his impressive physique, a direct result of the work he did in Big Bear, which is an area positioned far above sea level.

"I feel very strong, more than ever," he said at the end of last sparring session supervised boxing, as always, his inseparable Chepo and Edison Reynoso. "Canelo" sparred with welterweight Fernando Castañeda with 16 ounces gloves for four rounds.

"We had heard that Big Bear was a good place to train and the truth is it's the best training that I've ever experienced," said Alvarez, who looks happy and motivated for his fight with Ryan Rhodes, a British left-hander.

The undefeated World Boxing Council champion hit the mitts, bag, jumped rope and finished with three sets exercises on his abs to show his muscles for a few minutes to everyone in the gym.

"I had new things to strengthen me. I can feel that my short punches have more power, my excellent physical preparation will be reflected next Saturday," he said.

Saul Alvarez, 20, acknowledged that his official challenger is a very strong opponent who is always in constant motion.

"Rhodes is a very strong fighter, throws punches from every angle, but we have worked to counteract this. The strategy is to deal with it and if I have a chance to knock him out - I will," he said. "I have no pressure at all, but a motivation to be a champion and to defend before my people. I had a good preparation, and it will be my best fight."

Alvarez and Rhodes collide on June 18 at Arena VFG, headlining a card consisting of five championships bouts. The card begins at 6:00 pm, and it will be broadcast on HBO and Televisa in Mexico.