Jaime Munguia has set his sights on shocking the world when he boxes Canelo Alvarez on May 4 during Cinco De Mayo.
Munguia targets Canelo’s Undisputed Super Middleweight Belt. He enters the fight full of confidence based on his last performance. He dropped John Ryder four times before getting him out in the ninth round. That was a statement win, given Ryder had lasted the distance with Canelo. Ryder would also retire from the sport sometime after, showing how much damage he had sustained against Munguia.
During their first presser for the fight, Munguia received much more support from the crowd than Canelo. There is a perception that Canelo’s stock has dropped with suggestions he is ducking David Benavidez. Canelo infamously claimed he does not fight Mexicans since he represents Mexico. However, by backtracking on those comments to face Munguia, Mexican fans questioned whether Canelo was afraid to face the best. Munguia could use those doubts to his advantage and shock the world.
Munguia Reacts
“This is a great opportunity to show the world and show myself who I really am. … What I want to show myself is that anything is possible,” Munguia said
Munguia has shown he can perform on the biggest stage. Before facing Ryder, he boxed Sergiy Derevyanchenko. He dropped his opponent in the last round with a body shot to secure a unanimous decision win. After the fight, Munguia parted ways with Erick Morales.
Since then, he has been working with Freddie Roach. That attacking style paid off when he beat Ryder. Munguia will have to fight on the front foot but find a balance, knowing that Canelo will look to target the body. Although there are suggestions that Canelo is slowing down, Munguia knows he has a tough test.
Munguia’s Mindset
“They were great experiences against great fighters. Thanks to those experiences I got to where I am today. I always try to improve, I always try to learn new things. … The maturity and improvement are evident. I think I’ve grown fight by fight.
“And being alongside Freddie certainly has helped me a hell of a lot. The bottom line is that Canelo is my rival. He’s the opponent I have to beat. What I’m ready to do is become world champion on May 4. … I’m different from the opponents he has defeated. First of all, I’m undefeated. I’m also very hungry. I’m eager to keep winning. I want to stand out and be among the best,” Munguia stated
Should Munguia come out on top, he could target the other big names in the division. Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. are also possible fights. While both men are expected to fight at 175 next, Munguia would have enough pulling power to make those bouts if he was the undisputed champion at 168. But Canelo has only lost twice in his career, against Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol. So Munguia will have to pull off a perfect performance to get that win.
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