CANELO ALVAREZ was not planning to fight another Mexican, but Jaime Munguia’s rapid ascent has positioned the 27-year-old as the top contender in the super-middleweight division with the WBC and WBO.
When Munguia faces the undisputed champion this Saturday (May 4) in Las Vegas over Cinco de Mayo weekend, it will be his first taste of defeat in 43 fights. However, the man from Tijuana has never faced a top-tier opponent like Canelo, who, at 33, has proven himself in high-profile fights, winning most and losing two to Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol.
All-Mexican matchups rarely disappoint, but who will emerge victorious? Boxing News reached out to various industry insiders to gather their predictions.
- Andy Lee (Trainer) – I believe Munguia is young, energetic, and a fearless fighter. He will need to set a fast pace. Canelo does everything Munguia does, but with superior defensive skills. I predict Canelo to win, but I anticipate a highly competitive and captivating fight.
- Joe McNally (Trainer) – Canelo by KO/TKO between rounds eight and 11. I think Alvarez’s experience and aggressive counter punching will overwhelm Munguia in the later rounds. While Munguia can be unpredictable, his youth and freshness could work to his advantage.
- Duke McKenzie (Former three-weight world champion) – How much does Canelo have left? Will Munguia be the one to show his age overnight? Munguia has a real opportunity due to his tenacity, power, and undefeated record, but I predict a Canelo victory by unanimous decision.
… (continued predictions)
Result: Canelo 47 votes, Munguia six votes, one undecided vote.
For more industry predictions collected by BN, watch the video below.