Jaime Munguia is expecting a “mentally” challenging fight when on Saturday he contests the undisputed super-middleweight title with the reigning champion, Saul Alvarez.
The Mexican rivals fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo weekend, when Munguia will become the fourth challenger to “Canelo” Alvarez’s crown.
Munguia, 27, is considered the significant underdog, but on account of his youth, high punch output and aggression is expected to present Alvarez, one of the world’s most intelligent and cultured fighters, with a physical test.
In Alvarez’s past fight, his challenger Jermell Charlo – a proven, talented boxer – fought with minimal ambition, and Munguia had already stopped 33 of 42 opponents before recruiting as his new trainer Freddie Roach, so proven in improving fighters’ offence.
During his past two fights, Munguia’s aggression proved the key to him defeating Sergey Derevyanchenko and then stopping John Ryder – who in May 2023 took Alvarez the distance – but at Tuesday’s “grand arrivals” at the MGM Grand, he said the he is going to fight with greater patience.
“The main thing is, we can’t get over-confident,” he said. “It’s gonna be a very mental fight; a very cerebral fight, where we’ve got to pick our spots and be sure about what we’re doing on Saturday night.
“The key is I trust my preparations. My team and I did amazing things together, and you’re gonna see that reflected on Saturday night, when it’s gonna be a great fight.
“It’s gonna be a tough fight, that’s for sure. What matters most is it’s gonna be an amazing fight for you guys to witness.
“I’m really glad to be here. It’s so good to see you all. I’m expecting to give you guys a great fight, Saturday night.”
Roach first worked with Munguia for the victory over Ryder, whose refusal to be stopped by Alvarez has contributed to suggestions that, at 33, Alvarez is in decline.
“It’s been great,” the trainer responded when asked how he has found working with Munguia, who was previously trained by Erik Morales.
“I’m looking for the knockout and he is also.”
