Despite rumors that he will face Jermall Charlo on May 4th, the prevailing wisdom is that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will instead face fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia on that date. .
The fight between Alvarez and Munguia will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will of course be the highlight of Cinco de Mayo weekend. That's why it probably makes sense for Alvarez to fight a fellow Mexican, especially considering he has not one but two super middleweights in the mix. If Munguia wasn't available on this date, David Benavidez was always an option. In the end, I felt it had to be one of those things.
“I'm very proud and excited to be in this fight,” said Alvarez, 60-2-2 (39 years old). “Mexican vs. Mexican fights are always big fights, but it's been a while since we've had a fight like this. It's great to be able to give an opportunity like this to a fighter who has won like Jaime. Two Mexicans. It's great to see people competing in such big sports battles.”
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
Munguia, 27, who is 43-0 (34 wins), first rose to prominence in 2018 when he stopped Saddam Ali within four rounds to win the WBO super welterweight title. He successfully defended the belt a total of five times before moving up to middleweight and defeating Demetrius Ballard, Gabriel Rosado, and Torreano Johnson. Meanwhile, at his current super middleweight division, Munguia has moved up in weight, adding the names of Sergiy Derevyanchenko, whom he beat in 12 rounds in January, and John Ryder to his resume.
Now in his athletic prime, Munguia is no longer seen as a work in progress and someone who needs to continue growing. He recently partnered with Freddie Roach to smooth out the rough edges of his game and seems more ready than ever to take on an opponent like Alvarez. He will definitely admire him as a fighter who will continue to grow.
“I'm very, very happy and full of enthusiasm for this great opportunity,” Munguia said. “I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in making this fight happen. We are ready to give our fans a great night of boxing on Saturday, May 4th. I can’t wait to prove to the world that I can do it. Viva Tijuana, Viva Mexico!”
