Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, is set to defend his title against Jaime Munguia on May 4th. But was this the fight boxing fans were hoping for? David Benavidez, another young and undefeated super middleweight contender, had been relentlessly calling out Canelo for a fight.
Many fans believed this matchup would be a more exciting and evenly matched contest. So why did Canelo Alvarez pick Munguia instead? Sugar Hill Steward, trainer for Tyson Fury, recently weighed in on this choice. His comments shed light on the strategy behind Canelo’s fight selection, and how his team prioritizes fights that benefit the champion the most.
Why Canelo’s opponent choice is a masterstroke
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In an illuminating exchange with Fight Hub TV, the conversation quickly zeroed in on the highly anticipated match between Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia. The interviewer, keen to gauge the insider perspective, posed a direct question to Sugar Hill Steward, “What do you make of Canelo and Jaime Munguia?”
“I think it’ll be a good fight with the style,” Steward said, acknowledging the potential for an exciting clash. However, his focus quickly shifted to the strategic brilliance behind Canelo’s fight selection. “Canelo has a good team behind him and they’re going to pick the best fights possible for him,” he continued.
Steward then elaborated on the role of a promoter, stressing their obligation to prioritize their fighter’s success. “That’s what his team is supposed to do,” he said. “The promoter’s job is to do what the promoter’s job was supposed to do, what’s best for the fighter. So whatever they’re doing for Canelo is obviously supposed to be for the best for Canelo, it’s not supposed to be the best for the opponent or for the best for the people.“
Sugar isn’t the only one thinking this is best for Canelo Alvarez.
Is Canelo’s “Granite Chin” enough?
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Jim Lampley offers an intriguing contrast between Jaime Munguia’s aggressive approach and Canelo Alvarez’s strategic mastery ahead of their clash. Describing Munguia, Lampley observes, “He’s a wildly entertaining fighter because he hits and gets hit,” highlighting Munguia’s fearless, all-action style. In sharp contrast, Canelo is praised for his tactical acumen and resilience, with Lampley noting, “Canelo has a proven chin, maybe the most granite in boxing.”
This matchup, therefore, sets the stage for an electrifying confrontation of Munguia’s relentless assault against Canelo’s impenetrable defense. Lampley tempers expectations of a knockout, acknowledging Canelo’s “craft advantage” that solidifies his position as the favorite, painting a vivid picture of the tactical chess match awaiting boxing fans.
Also Read: Is Canelo Alvarez Ducking David Benavidez? Devin Haney Answers the Burning Question
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Do you believe in the power of an underdog’s punch, or will the craft and resilience of a seasoned champion prevail?
Read more: Canelo Alvarez Seemingly Calls Oscar De La Hoya Coward, Gives Final Verdict on David Benavidez Fight