Canelo Alvarez will have a ‘huge surprise’ for his Mexican fans when he takes on Jamie Munguia on May 4.

Alvarez will defend his Undisputed Super Middleweight Title against the undefeated Mexican. Canelo’s last fight was a unanimous decision win over Jermell Charlo last year. But since Charlo was jumping up two weight classes from 154 pounds, the victory did nothing to tell fans how sharp Canelo looked. Munguia has had arguably the best win of his career.

He stopped John Ryder in the ninth round, dropping the Brit four times. Ryder retired shortly after the fight. Munguia’s win was very impressive since Canelo had failed to stop Ryder, who took Alvarez the distance. But in the kick-off presser for the Munguia fight, it was clear the fans were more behind Munguia. Canelo has been criticized for not fighting David Benavidez.

Benavidez is the WBC Super Middleweight Interim Champion. He has been in the position for over two years. Both sides have pointed their fingers at each other for the fight not happening. Benavidez claimed he agreed to take $5 million for the fight, while Canelo’s team rejected the claims that any offers had been made.

Alvarez then demanded $150-200 to make the Benavidez fight, increasing suggestions he was ducking the Mexican to price himself out. But Canelo’s following comments may increase hopes of the Benavidez fight since he has teased a ‘surprise’ for the fans.

Canelo Reacts

“That makes me excited [Munguia’s unbeaten record] because I want to show everybody what I am at this point. I feel very motivated, I feel excited and I can’t wait. I get in there and try and knockout my opponent, and this is not going to be an exception.

“I’m going to step in the ring to with the mentality to try and finish the fight before the 12 rounds. Yes, I always try to bring something to the people and the Mexicans. You know with the fight, two Mexicans vs. Mexicans, I think it’s enough, but I got something else for the Mexicans. No, it’s a surprise. I like to surprise people,” Canelo said

Canelo’s fellow Mexicans are challenging him to be the most popular fighter. Aside from Munguia and Benavidez, Isaac Cruz is another name who has captivated the fans. His last performance against Rolando Romero was highly impressive. He stopped Romero in the eighth round but could have gotten him out in rounds one and seven. His victory made him the new WBA Junior Welterweight Champion. The attacking nature of his performance has earned him much praise.

“At this point, he probably is the second hottest Mexican fighter in boxing besides Canelo Alvarez, who, of course, is the main attraction. In the moment right now, I don’t think there’s a Mexican fighter that is generating more talk in boxing besides Canelo Alvarez and Pitbull Cruz. One thing about Pitbull is if you put offense on him, it doesn’t break his positioning. Even if you attack Pitbull Cruz, he stays in this little pocket so he can punch back at you. He doesn’t bust position, which is so important,” Paulie Malignaggi stated