Jaime Munguia was in the precise place on the proper time when Jermall Charlo fell out as Canelo Alvarez’s anticipated opponent and the younger Mexican, the subsequent best option, was chosen to face his celebrity countryman on Might 4 in Las Vegas.
Munguia’s mission now’s to benefit from what may very well be a once-in-a-career alternative.
“This can be a nice alternative to indicate the world and present myself who I actually am,” he instructed Boxing Junkie via 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 report however hadn’t had something resembling a defining struggle till final 12 months.
That’s when he overcame his stiffest take a look at, combining his capability 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 menace to greatest within the enterprise.
These victories additionally bolstered his resume, which made him a extra legit candidate to face the previous pound-for-pound king in by far essentially the most profitable struggle of his profession.
“They have been nice experiences in opposition to nice fighters,” mentioned Munguia, referring to the Derevyanchenko and Ryder fights. “Because of these experiences I obtained to the place I’m at the moment.”
Munguia was significantly spectacular within the Ryder struggle, his first beneath new coach Freddie Roach after splitting with Erik Morales.
Morales did an excellent job with Munguia, honing his total abilities over time. Roach seems to have taken him to the subsequent stage by way of efficient — and harmful — aggression whereas retaining protection in thoughts.
All of it got here collectively in opposition to Ryder, who went down 4 occasions and was effectively behind on the scorecards when the struggle was stopped.
“I at all times attempt to enhance, I at all times attempt to be taught new issues,” Munguia mentioned. “… The maturity and enchancment are evident. I believe I’ve grown struggle by struggle. And being alongside Freddie actually has helped me a hell of so much.”
After all, 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 Might 2022 and didn’t look sharp in two subsequent victories, over Gennadiy Golovkin and Ryder.
Nevertheless, Alvarez’s surgically repaired left wrist appeared to be totally healed when he simply outpointed Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30. He appeared so much just like the champion of outdated in that struggle.
On prime of that Munguia has nice admiration for Alvarez, who succeeded the nice 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 identical 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 out to be world champion on Might 4. … I’m totally different from the opponents he has defeated.
“To begin with, I’m undefeated. I’m additionally very hungry. I’m keen to maintain profitable. 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] will likely be a step towards becoming a member of that membership,” he mentioned, “being part of that story.”
