Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) – Coach Jaime Munguia says he expects an “all-out Mexican fight” against Canelo Alvarez this weekend on Cinco de Mayo.
And while Munguia (43-1) may have suffered the first loss of his career Saturday night, he delivered on his promise.
Alvarez (61-2-2), who has been on boxing’s pound-for-pound list for more than a decade, retained his undisputed super middleweight belt with a unanimous decision.
Judge Tim Cheatham scored the fight 117-110, Steve Weisfeld scored it 115-112 and David Sutherland scored it 116-111.
And while it was sure to be an important fight for Munguia, win or lose, the hot and powerful boxer showed his talent early on, overcoming a knockdown in the fourth round and holding off Alvarez for five straight fights. . .
“I came out strong and won the early rounds,” said Munguia, 27. “He let his hands go, but he’s a fighter with a lot of experience. The loss hurt because his first loss made me feel stronger.”
Munguia, who was trailing 3-1 at BetMGM, landed a sharp left to Alvarez’s face in the first round that immediately electrified the announced crowd of 17,492. He came back to life within two minutes of the second, set himself up in the third, then threw a flurry of punches and ended the round with a big header to the right.
Next it was Alvarez’s turn.
The 33-year-old champion reminded Munguia of who he was fighting by using left-right combinations. ended in a knockdown – the first time in his career that he was dropped – and apparently that resonated the rest of the way.
Alvarez’s more powerful punches combined with Munguia’s deflated energy over the next five rounds.
The older fighter later praised his younger challenger for being strong, but added that he was “a little slow” and “could see every punch.”
“That’s why I’m the strongest,” Alvarez said. “I took my time. I have a lot of experience. Munguia is a great fighter. He’s strong and smart. But I had 12 rounds to win the fight and I won. A really good performance. I got it, and I’m proud of it.”
Munguia continued to develop under new trainer Freddie Roach and appeared to be at his peak both physically and mentally.
“There’s no question that I could have beaten anyone else tonight,” Munguia said. “He has a lot of experience. He started well, but he’s a fighter who causes a lot of problems.”
Roach made his debut in Munguia’s corner with a win over John Ryder in January, but now he’s going back to square one to prepare the young fighter for whatever promoter Oscar De La Hoya throws at him next.
Munguia has several viable options, including No. 1 WBC entrant Christian Mbili from Canada, but he has yet to face a first-class bout and is likely to lose his place in this competition. He will be enthusiastic about the match.
Los Angeles’ Diego Pacheco is No. 1 in the WBO rankings and is a fellow Mexican fighter, so he will be a formidable opponent.
Finally, Puerto Rican boxer Edgar Berlanga is ranked No. 1 in the WBA rankings and is another big puncher who will heat up the ring alongside Munguia.
“For Jaime, this experience will take him to another level,” De La Hoya said. “He’s gained experience. He wasn’t in school. He’s gained experience and become a better fighter.”
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