LAS VEGAS – Canelo Álvarez started slow against a confident and active Jaime Munguía, but in the end he showed that he is a superior boxer and earned a well-deserved unanimous decision victory to successfully defend his undisputed super middleweight world championship.
The judges scored the fight 117-110, 116-111, 115-112 for Canelo, who knocked down Munguía in round 4 with an uppercut and from there he controlled the actions. The challenger – taller and with longer arms – had clearly won the first three rounds, with Canelo taking his time to find his way to victory.
Of course, Canelo went to five consecutive fights without getting a knockout. He then sent a message to the public.
“They always ask about a fight. “Right now I’m in the position to do what I want, and if you like it, well…” said an animated Canelo (61-2-2) in the ring. when they asked him about a possible fight with David Benavídezwho was present.
With that statement, Canelo makes it clearer than ever that he will not give Benavídez a chance because people ask for it. He had mentioned that if the money “is right” it could happen, before changing his tune. Many fans in the arena booed.
Munguía: “It hurt me to lose for the first time”
Munguía, who lost his undefeated streak after 43 wins, accepted the defeat, which was very dignified. “He is a very experienced fighter,” he said. “It hurt me to lose for the first time.”
It is difficult to point out what the Tijuana native did wrong. He was active, used the jab well, was encouraged to unleash his combinations and seemed to put the best version of himself in the ring. It’s just that Canelo came very well prepared and dominated. He is a stronger and obviously more well-rounded boxer.
Munguía, 27 years old -six years younger than Álvarez-, recovered after the difficult rounds 4-6, and showed much defensive improvement compared to other fights., with good head movement. His jab was effective all night. But Canelo knew how to hunt him with his left and with the uppercut.
The fight between Mexicans on the traditional Cinco de Mayo weekend sent the fans who filled the T-Mobile Arena home satisfied. It was a divided audience with a lot of support for the challenger, although since the knockdown in round 4, the atmosphere in the building changed in favor of the champion as his superiority was felt.
08:02am.
Round 12: Canelo closes well for what looks like a decision victory
Jaime Munguía reached the other shore in a brave performance. Canelo landed him several times in the final round. At the end of the fight, they congratulate each other. Canelo 10-9
07:58hs.
Round 11: Munguía shows that he was ready for the challenge
The Tijuana native is closing strong, throwing many blows with both hands and avoiding many with a lot of head movement. Munguía 10-9
07:54hs.
Round 10: Canelo connects less, but with more power
Roud difficult to score. Munguía goes on the attack and throws more than the champion, but in the second part of the round, Canelo lands three good right hands to the head. Canelo 10-9
07:50 a.m.
Round 9: Munguía catches his second wind
Jaime Munguía is encouraged knowing that the fight is becoming adult and he does it well: a lot of jab and shakes Canelo with a couple of combinations. The champion complains about a low blow. Munguía 10-9
07:46hs.
Round 8: Closed assault, but Canelo lands the best blows
Good activity from Jaime Munguía who is doing his best. Canelo defends himself well up high and is very dangerous with his counterpunches. Canelo 10-9.
07:42hs.
Round 7: Canelo’s left foot stops Munguía, who was encouraged
Munguía was looking good and put Canelo in a corner, but then came a powerful left hand that changed the round. Álvarez was successful again with his left counterpunches. Canelo 10-9.
07:38hs.
Round 6: Canelo wins another round, but Munguía recovers a little
The Tijuana native shows signs of life with a head movement, but Canelo lands good blows and wins his third round in a row. The difference so far is the fall. Canelo 10-9.
07:34hs.
Round 5: Canelo already takes control of the fight
Another good round for Canelo, who has found a way to hurt his rival. Munguía no longer looks as fluid and active as he did at the beginning since the knockdown. Canelo 10-9.
07:30 a.m.
Round 4: Canelo wakes up and sends Munguía to the canvas with an uppercut
Saúl Álvarez lands good blows in round 4 and with an uppercut he sends the challenger to the canvas. Canelo 10-8.
07:26hs.
Round 3: Munguía brings the fans to their feet with a brilliant closing of the third round
Jaime Munguía continues to make a difference with his jab. Canelo looks very stopped. In the last 30 seconds of an even round, the challenger landed a flurry of blows. Mungu{ia 10-9.
07:22hs.
Round 2: Munguía has an excellent start to the fight
Munguía dominates round 2 with his long arms. Canelo lands a good right hand, but the challenger is very active with both hands. Munguía10-9.
07:18hs.
First round for Munguía, who uses his jab well
A lot of study in the first round, but Jaime Munguía works well with the jab and connects a powerful left hand to the face of the champion, who threw few punches. Munguía 10-9.
07:07hs.
Munguía and Canelo headed to the ring with Mexican music
The Tijuana native came out with the traditional music of “México Lindo y Querido”. Canelo then began the walk to the ring with a Featherweight song.
07:04hs.
Mijares sings the national anthem of Mexico, but the best came later
Manuel Mijares took over, without setbacks, the national anthem of Mexico. He did it well. Then came the United States anthem and this time it was performed by a mariachi. Creepy and very ad hoc interpretation on this Mexican Cinco de Mayo weekend.
06:53hs.
This is what the T-Mobile Arena looks like minutes from Canelo vs. Munguia
Mario Barrios defeated Fabián Maidana by decision even though he finished with his right eye completely closed to retain his interim WBC welterweight title. And now he continues the main event with a packed arena full of stars at ringside, including David Benavídez…
06:49hs.
Gervonta Davis and Canelo pose in the Mexican’s dressing room
Canelo Álvarez has received several visitors in his dressing room before the fight. The last of them was Gervonta “Tank” Davis, with whom the champion posed very smiling. Davis is one of the best fighters of the moment.
06:36hs.
Julio César Chávez Jr. makes a surprise appearance for the fight
While still in treatment and facing three charges for illegal weapons possession in Los Angeles, a very recovered Julio César Chávez Jr. appears at the T-Mobile Arena. The Sinaloan, who fought on this stage several years ago against Canelo, has been transformed into a rehabilitation program in Los Angeles and his lawyer is optimistic that everything will be resolved.
06:27hs.
Óscar de la Hoya is already in the arena and goes to Jaime Munguía’s dressing room
One thing is certain: The “Golden Boy” will not stop by Canelo Álvarez’s locker room to wish him luck. After years of sanity, Óscar got fed up with Canelo and that’s where this week’s altercation originated, which was good for the promotion of the event.
06:18hs.
The referee for Canelo vs. Munguía will be Thomas Taylor
Tom Taylor was the referee in the recent world championship fight between Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Rolando “Rolly” Romero, where he did a good job. The three judges for the match will be Tim Cheatham, David Sutherland and Steve Weisfeld.
06:13hs.
The T-Mobile Arena already looks almost full waiting for Canelo vs. Munguia
The fans, the vast majority of them Mexican, have invaded the T-Mobile Arena. The atmosphere increases in intensity while in the ring “El Azteca” Barrios sends Argentine Fabián Maidana to the canvas in the third round. The fight is from power to power now in the sixth round. After them will come the main fight.
05:48hs.
The co-feature fight of the show continues and then the ring will be Canelo and Munguía
Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, a Mexican-American fighter from San Antonio, and the Argentine Fabián Maidana head to the ring for their fight for the interim WBC welterweight title held by Barrios. A spectacular group of Aztec dancers precede Barrios on his walk to the ring.
05:39hs.
JC Chávez visits Canelo Álvarez in his dressing room and they exchange smiles
The greatest legend of Mexican boxing, Julio César Chávez, went to Saúl Álvarez’s locker room to wish him luck. They exchanged hugs and smiles. “JC” has a lot of respect for the redhead and a few years ago he generously said that perhaps Álvarez is already the greatest Mexican boxer in history. Chávez, dressed in evening clothes to work as an analyst tonight, will surely visit Jaime Munguía next.
05:33hs.
Tremendous low blow in fight prior to Canelo vs. Munguia
During the fifth round of the fight between Brandon Figueroa and Jessie Magdaleno, he received a very hard low blow and the actions were interrupted for about five minutes so he could recover. Figueroa knocked out Magdaleno with a hook to the liver in round 9.
05:26hs.
Fans in the arena shout louder with Jaime Munguía
When both fighters were shown on the giant screens in the arena, the public was lukewarm towards Canelo Álvarez. Then there was a strong reaction to the image of Jaime Munguía in his dressing room. It is seen that tonight the world champion will be a “visitor”. It is clear that many fans are dissatisfied with recent rivals and Álvarez’s attitudes.
05:20 a.m.
Canelo and Munguía are already in their locker rooms at the T-Mobile Arena
The two Mexican fighters arrived and began to warm up for their fight.
News in development.