Canelo Alvarez is back in action next week as he makes his fourth super-middleweight world title defence in Las Vegas.
Across the ring from Alvarez will be his fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia, who takes a major step up in competition for his effort at undisputed honours. A former world champion in his own right, Munguia is a big underdog having jumped up in weight in his pursuit of the belts.
But at six years younger than his rival, Munguia has a considerable amount less miles on the clock – especially factoring in Alvarez’s extensive amateur career prior to turning professional. And it is believed that he will be hungrier having not yet hit the highs in his professional career.
Jaime Munguia believes he is representing Mexico as he faces icon Canelo Alvarez
Top contender Munguia will be a rare Mexican challenger for Alvarez’s belt, with the multi-weight world champion usually preferring not to face his countrymen. And the 27-year-old feels he is the one representing the fans from their home country in this massive bout.
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Cinco De Mayo weekend has been a staple in Alvarez’s calendar for years, but there will be a different feeling to this one as he faces another Mexican. Speaking at his open workout yesterday, Munguia said: “When I first got this fight I was excited because I know how big of an opportunity this is.
“I would just tell everyone that I’m 100 percent ready for this fight. Not only is this big for boxing, but it’s huge for my country. I can’t wait to represent Mexico in the ring on May 4. I’m very happy about this opportunity. I’m excited because there’s no better way to represent the Mexican fans than competing on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas.”
Oscar De La Hoya claims Canelo Alvarez has become ‘the diva of boxing’
Part of the storyline heading into May 4 is the reunion between Alvarez and his former promoter Oscar De La Hoya. The pair worked together for over a decade, but parted ways in 2020 and have been engaged in a blood feud since.
And while neither man has much positive to say about the other, ‘Golden Boy’ has taken things to another level in recent weeks. And at yesterday’s workout he expanded further; telling Alvarez that he has become ‘the diva of boxing’.
“Canelo has all the tools,” De La Hoya began. “But those tools are getting rusty, it happens in boxing. As much as you want to put WD40 on your elbow and your knee it just happens, age doesn’t forgive, father time.
“Right now Munguia is in the perfect position where he has to execute and follow his gameplan. Freddie Roach is a perfect coach for Jaime, they’ve already had a fight together and he’s going to push him to the limits which Jaime loves because he’s young and fresh.
“Then you have Canelo who has been through wars. He’s had operations on his shoulders, his knees, he’s tired. He’s now the diva of boxing, so all that plays into this fight we’re going to see on May 4. Don’t get me wrong, it’s going to be a great fight.”
Canelo Alvarez has lost his love for boxing according to former promoter Oscar De La Hoya
And De La Hoya went even further in his appraisal of Alvarez’s current position, noting that he feels his former charge has fallen out of love with the sport. And opposite him on May will be a hungry young contender who is still as keen as ever.
“Canelo is a slow starter,” De La Hoya continued. “We know that and I’ve always said Canelo is now walking on quicksand. His legs are getting heavy, he’s getting tired, he’s mentally, physically ‘oh my gosh, I’ve got to this again? Oh wait I’m getting paid let me do it!’
“It’s not all about the love any more. Munguia loves this, he loves this position and he’s going to make that a huge factor coming into the fight.”