Canelo Alvarez has decided to face Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) in a match scheduled for May 4th on DAZN in Las Vegas. The undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) is making a return to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing for this showdown against Munguia.
Reaction from Fans: Mixed Responses
Social media is abuzz with fans expressing their excitement over Canelo’s departure from PBC and his reunion with Hearn for a bout against the undefeated Munguia. There is a strong desire among fans to see Canelo take on Munguia, especially after Munguia’s recent knockout victory over John Ryder, which has put him in a favorable position for the upcoming match.
According to a report by ESPN Knockout, Canelo indicated that an official announcement confirming the fight with Munguia is imminent.
Not the Ultimate Showdown
While Munguia is expected to provide a tough challenge for Canelo, he may not have the same level of recognition as some fans had hoped for in a match against the Mexican superstar. Many were eager to see Canelo defend his WBC mandatory title against David Benavidez, but no concrete offer materialized.
Canelo’s manager and trainer Eddie Reynoso revealed that the reported $55 million offer from Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) for the fight never materialized. The possibility of the fight happening without the involvement of Saudi Arabia to make it financially feasible for both fighters remains uncertain.
Munguia’s Strategic Progress
Since turning professional in 2013, Munguia, 27, has been steadily building his career towards a potential face-off with Canelo. Speculation about a showdown between him and Canelo has been circulating since Munguia’s early days in the sport, leading some to believe that he was deliberately kept away from it. Thanks to facing quality opponents, Munguia has now reached a stage where a lucrative payday awaits.
Munguia has secured notable victories against:
Dennis Hogan
Sergiy Derevyanchenko
John Ryder
Liam Smith
Tureano Johnson
Gary O’Sullivan
Gabe Rosado
Takeshi Inoue
However, Munguia has faced criticism from fans for not taking on challenges against opponents like Edgar Berlanga when the opportunities arose:
Janibek Alimhanuri
Demetrius Andrade
Jermall Charlo
If Munguia had accepted these fights earlier, fans might have had a more positive opinion of him today. Hardcore boxing enthusiasts view Munguia and Berlanga as cautious fighters who have been carefully matched with opponents rather than taking on potential threats.
