Saul "Canelo" Alvarez declared that he is ready for his upcoming showdown with James Kirkland on May 9 at the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

Alvarez, who has racked up 44 victories against just one defeat and one draw with 31 of his wins coming by way of knockout, posted a photo on Instagram, announcing his readiness to go to war against Kirkland.

The 24-year-old Mexican, who won against Alfredo Angulo and Erislandy Lara last year, also said during the media day on Monday that he is aching to go toe-to-toe with Kirkland and expressed confidence that fans will get their money's worth in the May 9 showdown.

"I am ready to fight tomorrow if needed," Alvarez said on Monday. "I feel excited that the fight is around the corner. Kirkland's style will complement mine, he is a fighter that likes to come forward and May 9 will bring a great fight for all the fans."

Alvarez, whose lone defeat came against Floyd Mayweather in their record-setting fight in September 2013, is a heavy favorite to defeat Kirkland, but most analysts are convinced Canelo should have no room for complacency because he is facing a dangerous opponent.

Kirkland, who will fight for the first time since stopping Glen Tapia in the sixth round of their 10-round bout in December 2013, holds a 32-1 record with 28 knockout victories.

While he is not underestimating Kirkland, Alvarez is confident of his chances against the Texas native. The Mexican boxing superstar said his trainers have plotted a perfect fight plan to neutralize the punching power of Kirkland.

"We have the right strategy to beat James Kirkland," Alvarez said. "I have been sparring with southpaws to be prepared. Kirkland is a strong puncher, but I am also a strong fighter. On fight night I plan to hit hard but I also plan to fight an intelligent fight."

And if he wins against Kirkland, Alvarez expressed hope at finally get a shot against Miguel Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Council middleweight champion.

Alvarez and Cotto are continuously being linked to a possible fight. The camps of the two fighters were in deep negotiations earlier this year, but Canelo's camp decided to face Kirkland after not getting an answer from Cotto's camp following weeks of talks.

"I've always said that Cotto is a natural fight, a fight that should happen and I hope the third time is the charm and we can reach an agreement and provide this fight for the people," Alvarez told ESPN Deportes. "And if not, as I have done with other opponents, I have to choose the best available and move on, but I hope the fight is done."

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