Canelo Alvarez faces a tough test when he faces Jaime Munguia in his latest undisputed title defence, but he already has his next day booked up.
The super-middleweight world champion is an heavy favourite, despite Munguia holding a 43-0 record as a professional and earning his way to this massive money clash. He has never lost at 168lb, and is currently riding a three-fight win streak following his defeat to Dmitry Bivol in 2022.
Munguia has held gold at super-welterweight, but has seemed to find his footing as he moves up the weights in pursuit of Alvarez. Many fans believe that his record is one of the sport’s most padded, with some even arguing that he lost to Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Dennis Hogan.
Canelo Alvarez praises ‘hungry’ Jaime Munguia before undisputed title fight
However, Alvarez is not one of the people discrediting his rival, instead telling the media that he is concerned about the power and mindset of Munguia. The pair are both representing Mexico as they headline Cinco De Mayo weekend.
Despite the many critiques of his record, Alvarez says that Munguia has earned the fight “again and again”. “Jaime Munguia is a respectful person and a great fighter,” he said ahead of the bout. “Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4.
“Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits hard. He’s a power puncher and I like a challenge. I want to face fighters who are hungry like I am. He’s a fighter who can give the fans the show they deserve.”
Canelo Alvarez will play golf hours after leaving the ring from Jaime Munguia fight
One of Alvarez’s most prominent hobbies is golf, which he plays regularly regardless of fight camps or injuries. He makes a habit of playing as soon after a fight as possible, and this time around it will be no different.
With ring walks likely to take place around 10.30pm in Las Vegas for the fight, he won’t be out of the ring before midnight should Munguia put up a proper challenge. But he has confirmed that his tee time for Sunday is booked at 11am, allowing for just hours between the end of his night and when he will be playing.
Asked by Golf Digest when he will hit the links again after the fight, Alvarez replied that it would be “the next day”. “I go to play the next day after every single fight,” he explained. “I’ve played the most in Shadow Creek.”
And he won’t be concerned if he has a few cuts and bruises, adding that he has booked a time at the famed course for “11 or 12, something like that.” “One day I showed up with a big cut right [above my left eye] but just glasses and that’s it.
“The first day that I came to Shadow Creek and they saw me arrive after the fight they said ‘what the f***? Who is this guy after the fight last night?’ But I enjoy golf so much and I can’t not do it.”
Canelo Alvarez uninterested in golf career after retiring from boxing
Alvarez will play after his fight with Munguia, but previous indications that he could switch sports when he hangs up the gloves are unlikely to be acted on. He had previously said that he would consider such a move in a three or four years, but is now backtracking on the idea.
The legendary fighter told Boxing Scene: “No. I just want to play tournaments for fun… I really enjoy golf, but to be a golfer, you need to start really young. I need to be true with myself. I’m going to enjoy golf a lot.”
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