Canelo Alvarez has taken on all comers from welterweight up to light-heavyweight throughout his professional career, but is accused of avoiding one constant contender.
The undisputed super-middleweight champion is set to face Jaime Munguia in what will be his fourth defence of the four belts. Alvarez has already defeated Jermell Charlo and Gennady Golovkin in his run at the weight, after previously winning gold all throughout the divisions.
And while the 43-0 Munguia is a legitimate challenger, it is believed that Alvarez could be facing sterner tests as he heads into the twilight of his career. But he is keen to face his fellow Mexican on Cinco De Mayo weekend next month in an historic clash.
Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia will make history in all-Mexican fight
While it is a regular fixture of the calendar to see Canelo Alvarez’s name during a Cinco De Mayo fight week, he has expressed his excitement at facing a fellow Mexican in Munguia. The pair have seemingly been on a collision course for years, and will finally meet in the ring next week.
Speaking ahead of the bout, Alvarez said: “Jaime Munguia is a respectful person and a great fighter who’s earned this fight again and again. 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 warned that his body is “breaking down” ahead of Jaime Munguia bout
A key storyline heading into the fight next month is the reunion between Alvarez and his former promoter Oscar De La Hoya. The pair worked together for over a decade before splitting up in a bitter feud at the end of 2020.
And De La Hoya believes that his new charge, who is six years Alvarez’s junior, will be the man to finally send his former partner into retirement. “It’s just natural for a fighter who’s been fighting for so long for their body to start breaking down,” De La Hoya told BoxingScene.
“History in the sport shows there is no fighter who can sustain longevity when you are fighting the top guys over and over again. That’s just the way it is. Jaime is younger, more energetic and motivated, and throws more punches.
“He has a good chin and can take a punch. When Canelo was Munguia’s age, he was a dangerous fighter. He still is, but it’s like a new Ferrari versus a classic Ferrari. You can’t push the classic Ferrari to the limit anymore.”
Canelo Alvarez accused of avoiding David Benavidez with $200million claim
De La Hoya has also expressed how keen he is to make Munguia fight the best after building him up throughout the earlier stage of his career. One name that has emerged is David Benavidez, who is one of the top contenders at super-middleweight, and holds an interim title.
But the promoter believes Alvarez has chosen not to fight him, hiding behind a monstrous $200million price tag. “That’s just another way of saying I don’t want to fight him,” he told BoxingScene. “That’s the bottom line. That’s it. So you throw out a number.
“It’s classic Boxing 101. If you don’t want to fight somebody, just outprice yourself.” He also added that he would make Munguia vs Benavidez “in a heartbeat.”