CANELO. EL JÉFE😎: The Face of Boxing is Victorious Once Again in All Mexican Battle

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez continues to put on a show every time he fights. May 4 on Cinco De Mayo weekend was no different. This time the opponent was fellow Mexican and unbeaten contender Jaime Munguia. Canelo put on a dominant display on his way to victory, but fans only want one man to be his next opponent.

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Las Vegas was the location for Canelo’s 5th defence of his Undisputed super middleweight world title. Fans were disappointed that the opponent was not David Benavidez, but Munguia was not an opponent who should be taken lightly.

Former middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia was 42-0 before fighting Canelo. He recently fought in the 2023 Fight Of The Year (FOTY) beating Sergiy Derevyanchenko by Unanimous Decision. His most recent fight saw him stopping and retiring John Ryder, a fellow opponent of Canelo, in 9 Rounds. Canelo beat Ryder by unanimous decision in his hometown of Guadalagara, Mexico and dropped Ryder in Round 4.

There seemed to be an optimism about the youth and punch output of Jaime Munguia potentially causing problems for the older Canelo. Experience was significantly on Canelo’s favour, not just in age and number of fights, but in PPV events at the highest level. When the lights are brightest, many fold. How would Munguia react in by far his biggest fight to date? Usually a very forward thinking fighter, Munguia would have to be at his very best if he was to navigate his way to victory.

The early rounds started fast, with both fighters letting their hands go early. Munguia landed some good shots on the chin of Canelo, winning a couple of rounds early. The punch output of Munguia was having success initially but Canelo stayed composed under pressure. Instead choosing to counter when openings presented themselves, trusting his timing and boxing IQ.

In the 4th round Canelo timed Munguia's attack to perfection, countering with a thudding uppercut that dropped Munguia. It was the first time in Munguia's career that he had seen the canvas. The crowd had erupted and loved what they were seeing. Canelo looked like he could be on his way to another vintage performance. Munguia shook off the cob webs and got straight back to fighting, like a true Mexican warrior.

Canelo used all of his experience to take control of the fight from this point. Moving around the ring well and punishing the poor defence of Munguia. Canelo still maintained a level of respect for his opponent, understanding that Munguia would not quit fighting. The veteran won most of the remaining rounds on his way to a one sided Unanimous Decision. #AndStill

After the victory, it was inevitable that the demand for a fight against David Benavidez would only continue to grow. In my opinion, I think Canelo seems more open to making the fight happen next. After the fight Canelo gestured to Benavidez, who was in attendance at ringside, to enter the ring. Benavidez did not give a response to Canelo, but would probably only want to enter the ring with Canelo if it was for a fight. Previously Canelo has demanded $200 million dollars if he is going to fight Benavidez, but it may not take that much to get the 2 fighters in the ring.

With Benavidez fighting on a blockbuster doubleheader alongside 'Tank' Davis on June 15, he has a chance to make a real statement with eyes across the globe watching. Benavidez is campaigning at Light Heavyweight for the very first time against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, with one eye on this division and the other on super middleweight champ Canelo. A good, or great, performance against Gvozdyk along with some unbearingly loud fan pressure may be enough to entice Canelo in the ring. Throw in a good sales pitch from PBC founder Al Haymon (aka The Don), a couple extra 0s on the cheque and we (the fans) might get the fight we've been waiting so long for. I guess those are the perks of being the face of boxing.

- AE