I've seen Thompson before, as I keep my eye on everyone in the division, as I might one day fight them.
From my point of view, I am the underdog going into this fight. I'm not saying I'm not. But I'm the underdog because I haven't fought at that level yet against anyone of Canelo's level.
I'm not going to say I'm not ready for a fighter like Canelo Alvarez.
Once I will arrive in the ring, I'm going to make the most of this fight because this fight I will remember for the rest of my life. From my point of view, this night is going to be remembered by the British people. Not from the American people as much, but from the British fans here who will watch me beat Canelo Alvarez.
I'm not stupid. I know on paper I'm the B-side of this fight. Canelo's the big name.
It's always Canelo, and it's Mexican Independence Day, so I know that. But I am the champion, and just looking back on that, that is one reason why I hope they'll respect that I'm champion and be fair.
Canelo's the big name, but I am the champion going in... I took this fight. I'm not in a situation where I have nothing to lose in this fight. I've got a title to lose.
Canelo isn't a full light-middleweight like I am, and that's to my advantage.
I don't want to be chasing a big, awkward southpaw around the ring. I want a fight that people will enjoy.
I made my debut on October 10, 2008, so it'll be seven years to the day that I could become world champion. That's a massive night to be crowned.
Everyone breeds success off each other.
A lot of things come down to your roots and how you're brought up.
My mum will never let me be anything but grounded.
I'm not just coming here for a payday. I'm not an old guy at the end of my career looking for a payday. I've got a title to keep.
I'm confident a good Liam Smith beats a good John Thompson.
I remember when Joe Calzaghe fought Jeff Lacy, and there was all this hype about Lacy being some sort of unbeatable force, and Joe absolutely hammered him.
When I was 17 or 18, I realised I could do something with boxing.
When I was fighting at a weekend, I would be in when my friends were out. I never had time to go out and go off the rails.
My mum says part of the reason we moved house, it was a rough area at the time, was down to that - they wanted to help me.
People say I'm not world level, but I haven't fought at that class yet, so you can't say that until I have.
