The undisputed super middleweight title is on the line on Saturday night in Las Vegas
Canelo vs. Munguia: Sunny Showdown in Vegas
The weather forecast for Saturday’s All-Mexico showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas is sunny and likely to be exciting. Alvarez will defend his undisputed super middleweight championship, marking the first fight with Munguia since 2017.
Alvarez, a 5-to-1 favorite, faces Munguia, a 27-year-old native of Tijuana trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, in a competitive firefight. Both fighters have maintained cordial and respectful relationships, with Alvarez’s ex-promoter Oscar De La Hoya also involved.
De La Hoya, accusing Alvarez of attempting to ban him from promotional events, reacted to his former fighter’s rant at a press conference, causing tension between the two. Alvarez, who is usually calm, was held back by security after the heated exchange. Munguia, on the other hand, dismissed the drama as unrelated.
Canelo on De La Hoya: ‘He Just Wants Attention
Alvarez, a fighter, expressed his respect for everyone but criticized Oscar De La Hoya for his actions and lack of promotion. He criticized De La Hoya for leaving fighters when needed, and not caring about their well-being. Alvarez believes De La Hoya is unreliable.
👀 @Canelo and @OscarDeLaHoya get heated! 😤
Watch the presser LIVE on https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 or the DAZN Boxing YouTube channel 🔥#CaneloMunguia | May 4: Las Vegas | Live on DAZN: Click link in bio to buy pic.twitter.com/a7VRaoniOn— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 1, 2024
Munguia, a potential long-term opponent for Alvarez, has shown maturity and evolution since his debut in 2019. He defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a close decision last June, and later moved to Los Angeles under Roach’s guidance. Munguia’s victory over John Ryder in January was seen as a culmination of his maturity.
Alvarez, 33, has been hesitant to fight against fellow Mexicans, but the public’s appetite seems more into the idea of him fighting David Benavidez. Alvarez, who won all four 168-pound titles in 2021, experienced a dip in his next three bouts due to a hand issue. However, he resurgent last September when he dominated Jermell Charlo over 12 rounds, re-establishing himself as a pound-for-pound threat.
Munguia’s Confidence: Ready to Upset the Legendary Canelo
Munguia is confident in his ability to upset legendary opponent Alvarez, stating that he has plenty of aces up his sleeve and will employ them on Saturday. Mario Barrios returns to defend his WBC interim welterweight title against Fabian Maidana, having bounced back from two defeats in 2023.
Barrios, 28, has a 22-2 record against mostly unknown competition, while Maidana has a 22-2 record against mostly unknown competition. Both fighters are expected to be on their best.
Brandon Figueroa, a rising champion, is set to defend his WBC interim featherweight title against Jessie Magdaleno. Figueroa, who lost to Stephen Fulton in November 2021, has a strong 126-pounder record and has won the interim title against Magsayo in March 2023. Magdaleno, a solid fighter, has struggled at the elite level and is coming off a decision loss to Raymond Ford in April 2023.
Fight card, odds
FAVORITE | UNDERDOG | WEIGHTCLASS |
---|---|---|
Canelo Alvarez (c) -500 | Jaime Munguia +350 | Undisputed super middleweight title |
Mario Barrios (c) -1100 | Fabian Maidana +650 | WBC interim welterweight title |
Brandon Figueroa (c) -1400 | Jessie Magdaleno +700 | WBC interim featherweight title |
Eimantas Stanionis (c) -1400 | Gabriel Maestre +700 | WBA “regular” welterweight title |
Viewing information
Date: May 4
Location: T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas
Start time: 8 p.m. ET
How to watch: PBC on Prime Video PPV, DAZN PPV & PPV.com | Price: $89.99
Prediction
Munguia faces Alvarez in a highly anticipated fight, despite his size and impressive skills. Alvarez has never been down professionally and has only been hurt once in 2010 against Jose Miguel Cotto. Munguia must be all over Alvarez from the jump, using his size to lean on and wear out him.
Alvarez’s sharpshooting chess match is expected to slow down the pace, and Munguia must act like a bigger fighter to wear out Alvarez. Munguia’s career is at stake, and risking knockout defeat is unlikely to be sustainable against Alvarez’s skill.
Canelo Defends Title Against Munguia Tonight
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