By Miguel Rivera

World champion Saul Alvarez had his final workout in Mexico before flying from Jalisco to the United States to concentrate in the mountains of Big Bear California, where he will prepare for his second defense of World Boxing Council's junior middleweight crown.

"Canelo" will risk the green and gold belt against compatriot Alfonso Gomez on September 17 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the same venue where a year ago thousands of fans saw Canelo demolish Carlos Baldomir in six rounds.

Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KOs) is traveling with José "Chepe" Reynoso and Edison Reynoso, who showed him the ropes and led to the top of this exciting sport. The champion boxed for six rounds with two sparring partners, hit the bag, jumped rope and finished his routine with 100 crunches.

There is a lot of confidence that Alvarez will secure KO number 28. Team Canelo has studied several tapes with fights involving Gomez (23-4 - 2, 12 KOs), who has wins over former world champions Arturo Gatti and Jose Luis Castillo. Alvarez and his team will return to Mexico after the 17th of September to celebrate the Independence of Mexico.