Jaime Munguia Willing To Fight Canelo Alvarez In September
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is arguably the biggest name in boxing and the sport’s cash-cow. The 29-year-old from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico is expected to return to the ring in September. Boxers from middleweight to light heavyweight are trying to position themselves to be his next opponent.
Another fighter who is attempting to put themselves in the Alvarez sweepstakes is former WBO World Junior Middleweight Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs). Zanfer Promotions CEO Fernando Beltran explained to ESPN Knockout that if Munguia is given the opportunity, the 23-year-old is ready and willing.
“I have always said that opportunities are to be taken and I have always been in favor. Munguía’s career, he became champion with such an opportunity.
We believe that the size he has, the strength and what he has been improving with his new corner, he has a good chance with whatever.
We highly respect Saúl, we are proud to be Mexican, he puts the name of Mexico very high. However, this is a sport and to be the best you have to fight with the best. If he gives Jaime the opportunity, we are not going to let it pass. If the name (of Munguía) still rings, we are on it.”
WORTH THE GAMBLE?
With Alvarez from Guadalajara and Munguia from Tijuana, it would be a big fight for the Mexican and Mexican-American boxing market. But is the young and ambitious Munguia ready for such a task? Given his recent outings, he would be a sizable underdog against the seasoned and experienced Alvarez.
But this is prize-fighting we’re talking about here and money matters. And based on the current capitalizing power of Alvarez and the chance for a career-high payday, can you blame Beltran for putting his young charge in there, experience be damned?
At this point, it’s a low probability of Alvarez facing Munguia in September. And it would be best that Beltran let his young fighter further develop and raise his cache a little more before taking such a gamble.
There is the possibility of an Alvarez – Munguia fight happening eventually, but probably not right now. But from Beltran’s perspective, it’s worth dangling his fighter’s name out there; especially if it means Canelo takes the bait. So goes the current business of boxing and the thirst to be the next opponent of Canelo Alvarez.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
