LAS VEGAS – Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has encouraged Jaime Munguia to attempt to draw him into a physical fight on Saturday evening.
At Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, against his fellow Mexican and on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo weekend, Alvarez makes the latest defense of his undisputed super middleweight title.
During Tuesday’s grand arrivals, the typically aggressive Munguia spoke of attempting to “out-think” the cultured, intelligent Alvarez, who, at 33, is showing signs of decline through throwing fewer punches and through his slower pace.
Should he again fight with aggression, there exists the risk of Munguia, 27, becoming the nature of opponent who helps Alvarez to impress, and having previously also predicted he will stop his challenger inside eight rounds, Alvarez said: “I expect [aggression], and I really like it. I like his style, and I hope he’s doing the same. I really like it because it’s gonna be a great fight if he comes with that style.
“I don’t really pay attention to whether he’s younger or older. I’m different. I’m Canelo. I’m different and I don’t care. My experience, my talent, my intelligence is different.
“I’m feeling better than ever, and I’m ready for this fight, and I know it’s going to be a great fight. I don’t know how many rounds, but it’s going to be a really good fight for the Mexicans, for Mexican history, and I’m proud about it. I’m proud about it.
“I feel happy for that. It’s more the celebration. This fight is for [the Mexican fight fans]. No matter what they support, this fight is for them, and I feel proud about it.”
At Wednesday’s final press conference, Alvarez became heated and exchanged insults with his former promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, who is present in Vegas in his role as Munguia’s co-promoter and had by then provoked Alvarez with his very deliberate criticisms.
“Of course, he has power,” Alvarez continued of Munguia. “He’s a good fighter. But I think I’m a strong fighter and I can handle that.
“Let the fight last however it’s gonna last.”
