It's Cinco de Mayo weekend, and as usual, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is headlining the pay-per-view card. But what will be unusual is for Alvarez to lace up his gloves and take on the Mexican for the undisputed super middleweight championship.
It has been seven years since Alvarez last fought his compatriot, winning a unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in May 2017. On Saturday, Alvarez (60-2, 39 KOs) shined as he stepped into the ring for the main event, welcoming undefeated Jaime Munguia (44-0, 35 KOs).
[Related: How to watch Canelo Álvarez vs. Jaime Munguía]
Munguia, 27, has proven his skills in 44 professional fights. Although he has faced some formidable opponents in the past, he has yet to face someone like Alvarez, who is widely regarded as one of the biggest names in boxing and holds titles across four weight divisions.
With expectations high, the question is will Alvarez maintain his dominance or will the young Mexican contender beat Alvarez and make his mark?
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Munguia will survive! The verdict will be on the scorecards, but Canelo put on a masterclass and didn't let Munguia do much. He finished the fight with a clean right, another uppercut that Munguia would feel tomorrow.
Munguia is in desperation mode but can't find the big man he needs. Canelo's defense is mostly on point. The fight enters the 12th round with Canelo likely to hold a large lead.
Come R11, Munguia is still throwing punches. He's probably lost every round since the knockdown. I need something to come back.But he's shown tremendous grit and heart in this fight so far.
Canelo continued to move fluidly, narrowly avoiding most of Munguia's shots. The fight slowed down as Canelo happily stayed on the outside and landed counters as Munguia moved forward.
Munguia does everything he has to move and doesn't give it all back
— Showtime Shawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 5, 2024
It was Munguia's best round since Round 3.
The problem is Canelo knows he can't hurt himself.
— Roberto Jose Andrade Franco (@R_AndradeFranco) May 5, 2024
When Canelo hits Munguia with a jab, it's really effective. If young people stick to that, nothing will happen.Canelo is putting a little pressure on him now.
I didn't think Canelo wanted to see number nine. I'm a little surprised he's still pacing himself. But obviously, it's all Canelo at this point.I don't know what adjustments are needed for Munguia.
— Showtime Shawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 5, 2024
Canelo has now found his rhythm and is starting to land combos. One of those combos caused damage to Munguia's body.
Did Freddy tell Munguia that the only way to win was by KO? Because that's the only way he can win.It's time to try soaring… Might as well empty all the bullets
After six rounds, Canelo is clearly in control. Munguia hasn't made any adjustments and is preparing to receive a counter.
After a back-and-forth from the first round to the third, Canelo appears to be in control, but I wondered at Munguia's gas tank at ringside at this point in the fight.
A left hook hurts Munguia, but he remains upright. Interesting battle so far.
Munguia has shown the toughness to keep coming forward after being shaken up in the final round, but his pace has slowed and his breathing has become labored.Canelo is still stronger and much smarter in the ring despite not landing as many combos
The arena exploded with an uppercut that knocked Munguia down. I think this is the first time he's had a dip in his career.