3 Potential Opponents for Jaime Munguia After Canelo Alvarez Loss

Cinco de Mayo weekend didn’t end the way Jaime Munguia expected it to. The Mexican fighter bowed out of T-Mobile Arena with respect, heavy pockets, and a loss to his record column after meeting Canelo Alvarez in the middle. He now faces the uphill task of bouncing back strongly. But the question remains. Against whom?

The 27-year-old has faced the likes of John Ryder and Canelo Alvarez in his last two fights and you can expect him to fight another top contender. While fellow compatriot Diego Pacheco could be one such name, he is mourning his brother’s sad demise and might spend some time off the ring. Therefore, we have to look past the WBO #1-ranked fighter. So, where does that leave us?

Jaime Munguia vs. Christian Mbilli: going on a war

We know Mbilli, 28, is set to face England’s Mark Heffron on May 25. But the Cameroonian-French fighter has specified his intent to face a big name next, and he might not turn down the fight if Jaime Munguia comes knocking on his door. He vows a spectacular performance against Heffron, and that will set up a big fight with Munguia.

Meanwhile, Munguia will have a top contender who has yet to be tested against a big name and might blow hot and cold in a pressure situation. Moreover, Mbilli has carved out a reputation as a knockout machine. 22 of his 26 victories have come by knockouts. Munguia will prefer going to war than getting matched with a counterpuncher.

Their encounter will send ripples through the division and surely do good PPV numbers. However, Bob Arum wants to match Mbilli with either Alvarez or David Benavidez, hindering the potential talks with Munguia. But Munguia is not short of suitors, as he can have another top contender in Edgar Berlanga.

Knocking out Edgar Berlanga from the Canelo Alvarez rat race

Well, Edgar Berlanga clearly wants Alvarez next. But he is another big puncher who would set the ring on fire if matched with Munguia. The American fighter is undoubtedly the WBA mandatory, but if David Benavidez is not extended that treatment, will Alvarez extend the same to him?

It seems the 26-year-old has to prove his boxing credentials first before he can dream of a big paycheck against the undisputed super middleweight champion. What’s better than doing it against a boxer whom Alvarez fought to a distance? ‘The Chosen One’ is coming off a seventh-round KO of Padraig McCrory and will look to add another big name to the list of his victims.

But he is not ready for Canelo Alvarez yet, if his trainer, Marc Farrait, is to be believed. Likewise, there are some doubts about his ability to conquer David Morrell. But is the 22-0 record holder ready for Munguia? It’s not the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico war that he wanted, but at least it’s one. However, if that doesn’t work out, Munguia can welcome someone to the 168-pound division.

Giving Jermall Charlo a taste of the super middleweight division

Jermall Charlo is long muted to move up and fight Alvarez. The details and when it will happen are shrouded in mystery. The PBC wants to set up a revenge fight, which was the vision they started Alvarez’s three-fight deal with. But those plans have since been tossed into a bin. Charlo’s comeback performance against Jose Benavidez Jr. last December left a lot to be desired.

‘Hitman’ needs some experience in the new division before facing the division’s enforcer. On the other hand, Charlo’s ring rust and his recent outing will have Munguia licking his tongue. It all depends on how Oscar De La Hoya tries to mold the Tijuana native’s career now. While he believes his disciple has gained experience, he might pick a tune-up fight against any of the top 10 ranked fighters in the division. Whoever Munguia fights next, he will ensure he puts on a show and returns to the winner’s column.

Who do you think Jaime Munguia should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.