Jaime Munguia has revealed the advantages involved in being supported by great fighters like Erik Morales and Oscar De La Hoya.
On Saturday at Ontario’s Toyota Arena he fights Ukraine’s Sergiy Derevyanchenko in what has been spoken about as his toughest fight, and at a time when he is under pressure to deliver the nature of victory that can secure a date with a higher-profile opponent.
That the once-great Morales is his trainer and De La Hoya his promoter is regardless potentially a demonstration of his promise, and that promise is perhaps being nurtured in a way that not only enhances his reputation, but potentially his ability to fight.
“Having Morales in my corner, there’s no pressure at all,” the 26-year-old told ProBox TV. “We talked a lot – he is not only my trainer but also my friend. I learned a lot of things by talking to him.
"I’ve learned things from him inside of the ring; outside of the ring.
“Not much [is spoken about regarding Morales’ career. But] I know what Erik represented, and I consider him a great fighter to look at.
“I [also] admire Oscar as a fighter, and also as a promoter. I have a good relationship with him. It’s not that personal, but it’s a good friendship, aside from the business.
“I try to look at videos and fights – to learn. Not just of Oscar, but from a lot of different fighters.”
In 2019 Derevyanchenko achieved the rare feat of lasting the 12-round distance against Gennadiy Golovkin, and in following the once-feared fighter up to 168lbs and fighting one of his former opponents, Munguia appears to be attempting to pressure Golovkin into a fight that can transform his career.
“I think it's a very important challenge for me,” Munguia said. “I know Derevyanchenko is a very tough fighter. I know that he knows that this is a great opportunity for him. I know that Derevyanchenko is going to do the camp of his life – which I’m also doing. Both of us understand the importance of this fight.
“I don’t have the pressure of knocking him out like his other opponents couldn’t, but I’m ready to try to knock him out. The thing that is important is to beat him.
“I and my team – my promotional team – have been looking for that opportunity. Have been looking for the big names. For Golovkin; for [Jermall] Charlo; for all those big fights. But for one thing or another, the fights haven’t been possible, which isn’t our fault.
