Canelo Alvarez makes his return to the ring this weekend. Following a lot of drama in the buildup, we are all systems go and eagerly awaiting for the Mexican superstar to make the walk to the ring. That said, let’s take a look at what awaits him on Saturday night.
For those unaware, Canelo Alvarez will face fellow Mexican champion Jaime Munguia on May 4 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. With the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super middleweight titles on the line, it is safe to say that both fighters have something to fight for on the evening. Moreover, owing to the recent press conference drama, things have gotten even more spicy ahead of the fight.
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Prior to this, there was a lot of drama in the buildup as well with fighters like David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo originally linked to the fight. Fabricated stories aside, it was eventually the WBC Silver super middleweight champion, Jaime Munguia who would be the chosen one for this fight. That said, let’s take a look at what the Mexican youngster has to offer and how much of a threat he poses to Canelo Alvarez.
Does Canelo Alvarez face any real danger from Jaime Munguia?
For the most part, fans and those close to Canelo Alvarez consider the fight as a little more than a formality. Seeing that the fight falls on Cinco De Mayo weekend, it has seemingly been put together to give the Mexican audience a show on the auspicious occasion. With two, top Mexican stars to headline the show as well, it will make for an entertaining night overall.
That said, to say that Canelo is confident going into the fight, would be an understatement. In the leadup to the fight, especially after the press conference, Alvarez has gone on record to say that he will dispose of Jaime Munguia and David Benavidez on the same night if offered to do so. Despite his confidence, the undisputed middleweight champ has remained respectful towards and of Munguia.
However, it is clear that Canelo Alvarez is much better and aware of Munguia’s defensive shortcomings, despite him having an undefeated record:
“It’s gonna be a good fight for sure. His style and my style is gonna be a great fight. I don’t know how many rounds, but it’s gonna be a great fight.”
“I think he’s a good fighter, he throws a lot of punches, he’s strong because they hit him before and he handled it (well). But, Canelo is different, and he’s going to experience something different on Saturday night.”
All things considered, it is clear that Jaime Munguia has not been tested at the highest level yet. Although he has his own strengths, in a fight against Canelo Alvarez, he needs to be at his defensive best. One of the most elite counterpunchers in all of boxing, Canelo has shown time and again with his 39 career knockouts ho much of a threat he is, especially to explosive hitters like Munguia.
Oscar De La Hoya believes that Jaime Munguia is the future of Mexican boxing
That said, one man who has been consistent in his belief and praise of Jaime Munguia has been his promoter and boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya. Formerly the manager of Canelo Alvarez, De La Hoya has been quite chirpy in the build-up, as expected from a promoter such as himself. Whether or not he truly believes in Munguia’s abilities as a boxer, and capable enough to beat Canelo, remains unknown.
However, that said, he has done a good job promoting and building up Munguia as this massive threat and the heir to the throne. In the much-talked-about press conference for the fight, ‘Golden Boy’ claimed that the fight would be like a ‘changing of the guard’ from Canelo Alvarez to Jaime Munguia.
“…An undefeated, incredible talent who deserves the stage and spotlight at this point of his career.”
“As for Jaime, he has always dared to be great, just as this Saturday night, and this serves as a bit of a full circle for him. Remember when Jaime was 21, volunteered to step in against GGG, and Canelo failed two drug tests? Though Jaime wasn’t allowed to fulfill his dream in 2018, on Saturday night, he will do just that. Fulfill his dream and be world champion.”
All things considered, most fighters and experts see Jaime Munguia as a young, hungry, strong bull of a fighter. Capable of throwing some heavy volume capable of growing out his opponents, the 27-year-old has clear strengths and a discernible Mexican style of fighting. Comparative success against John Ryder aside, he has shown some massive flaws defensively, especially in the Sergiy Derevyanchenko fight. However, he has managed to get away scot-free on all occasions.
That said, he cannot afford to be as open or rely on his chin to see him through against a fighter like Canelo Alvarez. Whilst his style has served him well up until now, it will not work against the best of the best. That said, many expect whatever Munguia has to throw to be manageable for Canelo, and whilst he does have a puncher’s chance, the undisputed champion is expected to reign supreme.