Distain has been bubbling between the two for some weeks now and the pre-fight formalities have done nothing calm down the feelings of animosity between the pair.
Alvarez, 23, is one fight into his comeback from the loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr last September, having taken care of Alfredo Angulo with minimal fuss last time out, whilst Lara has put in some impressive performances of late in beating Austin Trout and also Angulo in June of 2013.
This weekend’s bout, without officially having the title of ‘eliminator’ is widely seen as just that – with the winner pretty much nailed on to be handed the opportunity to fight for a recognised belt later in the year.
Floyd Mayweather currently holds the 154lb title with the WBA and WBC, although his decision not to defend either belt this year could see both organisations reach an agreement with the pound for pound king to give up his straps.
Canelo v Lara is live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Showtime PPV from 9pm ET / 6pm PT on July 12 and in the UK on BoxNation from 2am. To subscribe click BoxNation
Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay for tweets of upcoming news on WBN