LOS ANGELES: Jaime Munguia said Tuesday, at a media workout inside Golden Boy Promotions HQ in downtown LA, that a prospective bout against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez would be good for his career and for the people, but will not let it distract him from his most imminent task.
On January 27, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Munguia fights John Ryder, and victory — especially if it is conclusive fashion — could provide him with the necessary momentum to convince Canelo that he's worthy of the challenge.
"I think a fight against Canelo would be something pretty good for my career and for everyone who wants this fight," Munguia told ProBox TV.
"First of all, we have to get through this challenge we have in front of us, right? with John Ryder, and then we'll see what comes next."
Through our sources on Mexico, ProBox TV discovered last year that Canelo had been in secret talks regarding a possible summer showdown with Munguia.
Since then, interest has mounted.
Golden Boy founder Oscar de la Hoya even told ProBox TV and other reporters earlier this month that the mega, all-Mexican fight "is a real possibility."
He told us: "It’s up to Canelo — he picks his opponents. And I think if Munguia knocks out John Ryder, who went the distance with Canelo, that’s a pretty good statement.
"I think it’ll be a huge mega-fight. But first thing’s first, Ryder, then Canelo decides. He holds the cards and I respect that."
De la Hoya used to work closely with Canelo, guiding the early and mid stages of his career until the fighter switched promotional teams to work with Matchroom, and then Premier Boxing Champions.
"I might have criticized him a bit because I had a thorn on my side because he decided to work with another promoter but being around him, promoting him, I admire him. I have to. There’s no other way.
"If he picks [David] Benavidez, [David] Morrell, [Jermall] Charlo … Munguia which I’d advocate towards because we haven’t seen a Mexican-Mexican fight since Barrera-Morales, Marquez, you know those fights are fire. I’d love to see something like that again.
"It all depends on Canelo."
