Can Oscar De La Hoya’s Jaime Munguia Put Canelo Alvarez Into Retirement?

You wanted it, and you got it. Neither is Canelo Alvarez importing an outsider nor is he fighting a boxer in his twilight years. Instead, he is ready to exchange blows with a younger challenger, Jaime Munguia. While you might pick the Mexican champion to defend his straps, it’s not that easy this time. A lapse in judgment, a wrong punch, and it’s all over for the undisputed king. But can it be worse than that? Can it spell doom for his illustrious career?

Oscar De La Hoya has been over the moon, as his promoted prodigy is finally getting a hefty paycheck. Not only that, but he also anticipates a change of guard on May 4. It all depends on whether Alvarez and Munguia make it a Mexican slugfest and whether the latter puts an end to the super middleweight’s career. It’s something he did with John Ryder. Can Munguia do it again, but against the face of boxing?

Has Jaime Munguia what it takes to take down the champion?

Munguia, at 43-0, has a flashy style and has amassed the fans’ respect with his come-forward, all-action approach. Moreover, the Mexican fighter has a big heart. He is always ready to take some blows to land some of his heavy punches. If John Ryder is to be believed, who had been on the receiving end of punishment by both Alvarez and Munguia, the challenger hits harder.

Therefore, Munguia could be Alvarez’s toughest fight at 168. The Tijuana native is the youngest and hungriest opponent Alvarez has faced since moving up. In addition, he has fast hands, excellent timing, and explosive power. Throw in a big heart and great stamina, and with youth on his side, he is a dangerous opponent for a 33-year-old Alvarez. At 27, Munguia is only nearing his prime, and with Freddie Roach in his corner, he is shaping out to be a top-ranked boxer.

But there are lingering doubts about the former WBO junior middleweight champion’s resume. Some continue to argue whether he has done enough to bag a date with the champion. Munguia has only fought twice at 168, and that too against Ryder, 35, and Sergiy Derevyanchenko, 38. However, a thin resume doesn’t take away the entertainment he brings. If he employs a good game plan, boxes at range, and unloads punches at Alvarez, emulating Dmitry Bivol, it might spell trouble for Canelo, and the fight might head for an upset.

While Alvarez’s experience and ring IQ should have given him an edge, Munguia will ask tough questions if he boxes smart and picks his moments. Why? Well, Alvarez’s chin is not the same as it was. Is it? Your ability to take punches reduces significantly with age, and no one has tested his chin in recent years. In addition, all these years of fighting, wear, and tear might have reduced his armor’s shin. So can he still take the same shots he took with a smile a few years ago?

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia: The start of the end?

Undoubtedly, Munguia has a big heart and carries the strength of youth. He might be the strongest opponent, Alvarez, at 60-2-2, has faced in a while. Munguia ticks all the boxes to collect the win with his power and high work rate. However, unless Munguia lands a big shot and slams Alvarez to the canvas, it’s hard to imagine Munguia getting his hand raised on Cinco de Mayo weekend and leaving the arena with all four straps. Even if Munguia pulls off an upset, it doesn’t mean the end of the road for Alvarez. The Guadalajara native has a couple of years left in his tank.

Stylistically, you can expect the fight to go the distance in 12 rounds, but in the end, Alvarez’s experience, his solid defensive skills, and his cleaner punches might prove too much for his compatriot. But it will be a hard-earned victory, unlike his recent ones against Ryder and Jermell Charlo. Alvarez doesn’t like pace, and Munguia brings pace to the fight. But the latter also leaves himself open. Alvarez, being a skilled counterpuncher, will frustrate and tag Munguia. Irrespective of the result, the fans have an exciting fight coming up.

What do you make of this upcoming fight between Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia? Do you believe the challenger can topple the champion? Let us know in the comments below.