Promoter Eddie Hearn anticipates Canelo Alvarez to stop Jaime Munguia this Saturday, but acknowledged the Mexican veteran’s age could play a role if the fight extends into the later rounds.
Canelo vs. Munguia: An Intriguing Clash
Canelo defends his undisputed title against fellow Mexican Munguia this Cinco de Mayo weekend (May 4), in a highly anticipated clash between the seasoned champion and the hungry challenger. The four-weight world champion has an extensive professional record of 64 fights, but recent performances against Dmitrii Bivol, John Ryder, and Jermell Charlo have raised questions about whether the 33-year-old’s prime years are behind him. While Alvarez defeated both Ryder and Charlo, he was unable to finish the job within the scheduled distance.
Munguia, on the other hand, has looked strong since moving up to the super middleweight division, scoring a 12th-round knockdown on his way to victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko and later stopping Ryder last January – something Canelo was unable to accomplish.
“I think it’s a very tough fight,” stated Hearn. “I spoke to Canelo the other night; he really fancies it. He said training has gone fantastically well. Munguia is going to be all action, it’s the first time in a long time that Canelo’s fought a fighter that’s young, undefeated and will really stick it on him.”
The Bivol defeat marked the beginning of a nearly three-year stretch for Canelo without a stoppage win, with his last coming in the 11th round against Caleb Plant. Although Alvarez had both Ryder and Charlo down in their respective clashes, he was unable to finish them off down the stretch, something he was able to do against Plant.
Canelo’s Age Factor
While Hearn expects Canelo to secure his first stoppage win in three years, the champion’s age could be a factor if the fight goes the distance.
“I think if the fight goes deep, it will be interesting,” added Hearn. “When you get to Canelo’s age, sometimes the body can break down a bit. But he’s a brilliant fighter and I’m very confident. I expect him to win by stoppage.”
Munguia has proven he not only carries power in the later rounds against Ryder but also has the stamina to go the distance. The Mexican unloaded a barrage of shots that proved too much for the Brit, who was pulled out after two knockdowns in the ninth round. Canelo’s matchup against Munguia is an intriguing one, despite facing criticism from some fans who had hoped to see him face David Benavidez.
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