Class is permanent: Canelo outsmarts Munguia to retain undisputed super-middleweight crown
THE RESULT: In front of over 17,000 fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Canelo Alvarez retains his undisputed super-middleweight title, beating his fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia by unanimous decision. The judges’ scorecards read 117-110 (Tim Cheatham), 116-111 (David Sutherland) and 115-112 (Steve Weisfeld) in the champion’s favour.
KEY MOMENTS: The knockdown in round four. After a positive start by Munguia in the first three frames, Canelo turned the fight around with a crisp left hook and then a short uppercut. Munguia didn’t see it coming and was dropped for the first time in his career.
RECORDS: After 65 fights, Canelo’s record now reads 61-2-2 (39 KOs). Munguia suffered his first loss and now sits at 43-1 (34 KOs).
TALKING POINT: The elephant in the room – David Benavidez. You have to wonder how well he would have fared against Canelo with his own attributes and destructive skillset.
QUOTABLE: “It means a lot. Jaime is a great guy, a great champion, he will continue to do good. I feel very proud to represent Mexico,” Canelo said afterwards.
On the knockdown, the champion said: “I take my time. Jaime Munguia is a great fighter. He is strong, smart. I have 12 rounds to win the fight.”
Canelo added: “He’s strong but a little slow, I see every punch. That’s why I am the best. I am the best fighter right now for sure.”
When asked about facing David Benavidez, Canelo said: “If the money is right, I can fight right now,” he answered. “I don’t give a shit. Everybody is asking for everything. Right now, I can ask for whatever I want and do whatever I want.”
A despondent Munguia said: “I came out well. I think at the beginning I was winning some of the rounds. I let my hands go. He’s a fighter with a lot of experience. The loss hurts.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Canelo will continue to take the fights that make most sense for him and the most money. Edgar Berlanga is the frontrunner to face him in September. Munguia can come again and on his day can beat most contenders but even after 44 fights there is still a rawness to him that can be exploited, as proven tonight.
