Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez Becomes More Realistic as Jaime Munguia Gets Out of the Picture With John Ryder Fight

As much as David Benavidez could, he defeated Demetrius Andrade to inch closer towards the Canelo Alvarez fight. But perhaps some matches are genuinely made in heaven. Otherwise, what could explain another obstacle bailing itself out of the epic fight’s way? Per the latest update, Jaime Munguia will take on John Ryder on January 27 in Phoenix, Arizona. Ryder incidentally faced Canelo Alvarez early in May this year. The Briton lost the battle unanimously.

In the meantime, Jaime Munguia defeated Ukrainian Sergiy Derevyanchenko to become the WBC silver super middleweight champion. Subsequently, his name came up as one of the potential line-ups against Canelo Alvarez, who roundly defeated Jermell Charlo in the year’s second title defense. Had that happened, Benavidez’s chance of securing the fight he has been clamoring for would have turned further bleak. However, with the new announcement, fans looking forward to an all-out epic between ‘The Mexican Monster’ and the undisputed super middleweight champion can sigh a breath of relief.

Jaime Munguia takes a detour against Canelo Alvarez, lands up at John Ryder’s door

Golden Boy Promotions, through its X/Twitter handle, shared, “BREAKING Jaime Munguia John Ryder scheduled to take place JANUARY 27th in Phoenix, AZ! #MunguiaRyder | LIVE on DAZN January 27th, 2024.” Unsurprisingly, one of the comments read, “So that’s means Canelo is free?! Alright, let’s go Canelo vs. Benavidez.” 27-year-old Tijuana-born Jaime Munguia remains unbeaten in 42 professional bouts, with nearly 79% of his wins coming through knockouts. 

For the 35-year-old Londoner, whose last two attempts at winning the world title didn’t bear fruit, it could be a heaven-sent opportunity. A victory over Munguia might once again propel him in line for a mandatory title challenge. He earned widespread respect and praise for his dogged performance against Canelo Alvarez. That too, the fight took place in front of the Mexican icon’s home crowd, which makes it particularly noteworthy.

Though it’s difficult to confirm now, there’s a high possibility that Munguia-Ryder could be an eliminator. The winner will face David Benavidez before the final challenge to Canelo Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez confrontation: what to expect

Most fans are aware of how ‘The Mexican Monster’ has been talking about a fight with Alvarez for some time now. There was a call-out from him when he celebrated the victory over Caleb Plant in March. There was much rejoicing when the WBC officially announced him as the mandatory challenger to the undisputed super middleweight champion. Now the victory over ‘Boo Boo’ Andrade is another cause for celebration.

However, the fact remains that Benavidez’s mandatory challenge will last until March 2024. Even then, Canelo Alvarez is under no obligation to face him. Already, there are talks of a tentative Jermall Charlo fight. The middleweight champion seemingly would like to avenge his brother Jermell Charlo‘s September 30 loss. While chances of Alvarez going up a division to extract revenge from Dmitry Bivol appear murky as of now, at least it appears stronger than a tentative square off against Terence Crawford, who would have to climb up three weight classes!

Read More: $200 Million Worth Canelo Alvarez’s Business and Investment Portfolio: Taco Restaurant, Partnership With Hennessy, Tequila Brand, and More

Do you also believe that paths to the Benavidez-Alvarez fight face fewer hurdles now? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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