Super middleweight Jaime Munguia has a new boxing coach — hall-of-famer Freddie Roach.
Their first fight together sees Munguia face John Ryder at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27, live on DAZN.
Munguia had previously worked with Erik Morales in prior bouts. Before that, he worked with Robert Alcazar. Now Munguia will work with the man who guided Manny Pacquiao to a legendary run.
At 27-years-old, Munguia is no longer the bright-eyed prospect who became a world champion knocking out Sadam Ali. The kid gloves are off, and fighting a mutual opponent of Canelo Alvarez might signal that. Munguia last fought in May picking up a unanimous decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko
“I am very happy to return to the ring, and I’m excited to be with my people from Phoenix,” said Munguía. “
"We know that Ryder is a dangerous rival, but we are prepared for it," the fighter added. "We have not stopped training and preparing.
"I am also very happy to have added Freddie Roach and his team to my camp. We are going to give a great night of boxing to everyone watching, and if we overcome this great test, I hope to see you all again in May.
Munguia’s words allude to the elephant in the room.
Munguia is rumored to be Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s opponent for May. A win here over an opponent Alvarez beat less than a year ago, could set the stage. Yet Ryder holds wins in 2022 over Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker. In 2023, Ryder fought once losing to Canelo. Since that fight, he hasn’t returned to the ring.
“I’m glad this fight has been made,” said John Ryder. “I’m looking to kick 2024 off with a bang and make a statement come January 27.”
