Jaime Munguia was in the suitable place on the proper time when Jermall Charlo fell out as Canelo Alvarez’s anticipated opponent and the younger Mexican, the following best option, was chosen to face his famous person countryman on Could 4 in Las Vegas.
Munguia’s mission now’s to make the most of what might be a once-in-a-career alternative.
“It is a nice alternative to indicate the world and present myself who I actually am,” he advised Boxing Junkie by means of a translator. “… What I need to present myself is that something is feasible.”
Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) had gained a 154-pound title and constructed a gawdy document however hadn’t had something resembling a defining battle till final 12 months.
That’s when he overcame his stiffest check, combining his potential with spectacular grit to outpoint the revered Sergey Derevyanchenko on June 10. He then knocked out rugged John Ryder – who had gone the space with Alvarez – in 9 rounds on Jan. 27.
In two fights the 27-year-old from Tijuana went from a boxer with appreciable potential to a bona fide risk to greatest within the enterprise.
These victories additionally bolstered his resume, which made him a extra reputable candidate to face the previous pound-for-pound king in by far probably the most profitable battle of his profession.
“They had been nice experiences towards nice fighters,” mentioned Munguia, referring to the Derevyanchenko and Ryder fights. “Because of these experiences I obtained to the place I’m right now.”
Munguia was notably spectacular within the Ryder battle, his first underneath new coach Freddie Roach after splitting with Erik Morales.
Morales did an excellent job with Munguia, honing his general abilities through the years. Roach seems to have taken him to the following stage when it comes to efficient — and damaging — aggression whereas protecting protection in thoughts.
All of it got here collectively towards Ryder, who went down 4 instances and was properly behind on the scorecards when the battle was stopped.
“I all the time attempt to enhance, I all the time attempt to study new issues,” Munguia mentioned. “… The maturity and enchancment are evident. I believe I’ve grown battle by battle. And being alongside Freddie actually has helped me a hell of lots.”
In fact, Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) is a big step up in opposition from Derevyanchenko and Ryder.
The 33-year-old 168-pound champion suffered his first loss in a decade when he was outpointed by 175-pound beltholder Dmitry Bivol in Could 2022 and didn’t look sharp in two subsequent victories, over Gennadiy Golovkin and Ryder.
Nonetheless, Alvarez’s surgically repaired left wrist appeared to be absolutely healed when he simply outpointed Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30. He regarded lots just like the champion of previous in that battle.
On prime of that Munguia has nice admiration for Alvarez, who succeeded the good trio of Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez because the face of boxing of their nation, a de facto title he has held for round a decade.
Mungia acknowledged his respect for his elder in an interview with Boxing Junkie. On the similar time, he mentioned, he has a job to do. And he expects to do it.
“The underside line is that Canelo is my rival,” he mentioned. “He’s the opponent I’ve to beat. What I’m able to do is turn into world champion on Could 4. … I’m totally different from the opponents he has defeated.
“Initially, I’m undefeated. I’m additionally very hungry. I’m keen to maintain successful. I need to stand out and be among the many greatest.”
That might embrace taking his place atop the heap in Mexican boxing hierarchy.
“I believe [a victory] shall be a step towards becoming a member of that membership,” he mentioned, “being part of that story.”
