Oscar De La Hoya Hypes Up Jaime Munguia as Manny Pacquiao’s Former Trainer Joins Camp for John Ryder Fight

Undoubtedly, it’s a small world. But first, Oscar De La Hoya heaved a poser on his X/Twitter handle early in the morning. He inquires about the anticipated round in which followers expect the Jaime Munguia–John Ryder match to conclude. The options he gave – Round 1 or Round 8. Does that sound like confidence? If so, what could be the reason?

Interestingly, the answer reveals why the world is a small place. On December 6, 2008, Manny Pacquiao fought Oscar De La Hoya. The former’s trainer at the time was Freddie Roach. Before the fight, he had reportedly quipped, “Oscar can’t pull the trigger anymore….Pacquiao will inflict a lot of damage on Oscar.” As it turned out, Pacquiao inflicted a resounding defeat on ‘The Golden Boy’, who subsequently retired from the sport. But it seems De La Hoya and Roach were not yet done. Fifteen years after the match, a twist of fate has again brought the former world champion and the Hall of Fame trainer in close proximity. So is that the reason why De La Hoya believes the Saturday match will end early?

Jaime Munguia and Freddie Roach: Act One, Saturday, January 27

Through his Instagram account, Oscar De La Hoya updated, “New Trainer, new goals, new @jaimemunguiaoficial, let’s go!!!! Saturday night @daznboxing @oscar_manuel23 @dariusfulghum @reydavidpicasso @fundoragabriela @terrorcabreraa.” The promotional clip attached to the post begins with Freddie Roach putting the hand wraps around Jaime Munguia’s hands. The following footage showcases the two engaged in intense mitt work in the ring.

The news is being received with much enthusiasm across the boxing community. Jaime Munguia foresees a potential clash with Canelo Alvarez. Hence, the match on Saturday seems very critical for him to win. Until recently, Erik Morales trained the unbeaten Munguia. However, the boxing legend had moved out of the assignment for personal reasons.

Speaking about his charge during an interview with ‘The Mayweather Channel’, Freddie Roach said, “He’s a complete fighter now, and there’s no way this guy (John Ryder) can beat us.” Aliyah Orozco asked whether he anticipated the match ending early via knockout. Manny Pacquiao’s former trainer replied in the affirmative. Interestingly, when she quizzed him about the round he expected the early stoppage to befall, Freddie Roach replied, “Eight.”

At the opposite corner, during his conversation with Fight Hub TV‘s Marcos Villegas, John Ryder shared that he was curious to know what Munguia would be bringing to the table after sharpening his skills under Freddie Roach.

Interestingly, the legendary trainer had a brief stint training Oscar De la Hoya as well when he went against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007. Though mostly known for his close association with Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach trained Mike Tyson, James Toney, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and Virgil Hill, among many others.

Read More: Tony Ferguson Joins Forces with Legendary Boxing Coach Freddie Roach Ahead of His UFC Return

Do you believe that Munguia will sail through easily against Ryder, when Canelo Alvarez struggled until the last round as they fought last year? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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