Saul Alvarez has his share of critics and doubters, but Carson Jones and Charlie Ota — two sparring partners helping the junior middleweight beltholder prepare for his WBC title defense against Alfonzo Gomez on Sept. 17 — believe the Mexican star has the goods.

Jones (31-8-2, 21 knockouts), is a 25-year-old veteran who faces fellow welterweight fringe contender Said Ouali on the Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz undercard, says Alvarez’s composure under fire makes him a better fighter than Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Ota (18-1-1, 13 KOs), a 30-year-old Japan-based standout, says Alvarez’s strength “is his strength.” The American holder of the Japanese and OPBF 154-pound titles also says Alvarez is an underrated counter puncher.