Despite rumors that he would fight Jermall Charlo on May 4, common sense has prevailed and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will instead face Jaime Munguia, a fellow Mexican, on that date.
The Alvarez versus Munguia fight will happen at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be a highlight of Cinco de Mayo weekend. Given the occasion, it makes sense for Alvarez to fight another Mexican, especially since he is joined by two of them in the super-middleweight division. If it wasn’t Munguia for this date, David Benavidez was also an option. In the end, it had to be one of them.
“I’m very proud and excited to make this fight,” said Alvarez, 60-2-2 (39). “A Mexican versus another Mexican is always a huge fight and it’s been a while since there’s been one like this. It’s great to give an opportunity like this to a fighter that’s earned it like Jaime has. It gives me a lot of joy that two Mexicans will be facing each other in such a big fight for the sport.”
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old Munguia, 43-0 (34), first gained recognition in 2018 when he defeated Sadam Ali in four rounds to win the WBO super-welterweight title. He successfully defended the title five times before moving up to middleweight where he defeated D’Mitrius Ballard, Gabriel Rosado, and Tureano Johnson. In the super-middleweight division, where he currently competes, Munguia has faced tougher opponents like Sergiy Derevyanchenko and John Ryder, whom he beat over 12 rounds in January.
Now in his athletic prime, Munguia is no longer a work in progress. He has teamed up with Freddie Roach to refine his skills and seems prepared to face someone like Alvarez, a fighter he has likely admired throughout his career.
“I’m very happy and excited for this great opportunity,” said Munguia. “I’m extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this fight happen. We are prepared to provide fans with a fantastic night of boxing on Saturday, May 4. I can’t wait to show the world what I can achieve. Viva Tijuana and Viva México!”