Jaime Munguia Earned a Canelo Fight By Being Respectful
Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (60-2-2, 39KO) will be making his fourth defense of the undisputed crown against Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34KO). The Mexican mega-star likes how the one-time WBO champion Munguia earned the right to fight him.
Boxing fans still remember the rollercoaster ride they had to endure during the negotiating process to make Alvarez versus Munguia. With the fight set to take place on May 4, several fans are disappointed, feeling that he is ducking two-time WBC champion David Benavidez.
During the first press conference, Canelo expressed a certain admiration for his upcoming opponent for earning the fight the right way.
“I know I said I wouldn’t fight against another Mexican. But, someone respectful like Munguia, who earned this chance fight after fight, giving it his all. It’s something that I’m glad we were able to make happen. I hope that everyone can see how this is going to be great for everybody involved and for Mexico in particular.”
RESPECT IS A GOOD ENOUGH REASON
Munguia was given a huge push by the Mexican fanbase after spectacularly defeating John Ryder on January 27. In addition, many pundits believed he was on the verge of taking Alvarez’s fanbase.
The problem with the undisputed champion’s statement is that Benavidez has done way more than Munguia. He may not be as respectful compared to the former one-time WBO junior middleweight champion, but why should that matter? Yes, Munguia has shown a high level of respect because he used to idolize Canelo. However, since when has that justified ignoring accolades earned by competing in the ring?
It is widely known that Canelo can largely dictate who he faces, and that has been made clear here. But as the face of boxing, choosing fights based on loose criteria such as this will not go without critique.
