Canelo Alvarez defeats Jaime Munguia in a super middleweight title fight on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Over Cinco de Mayo weekend, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez once again headlined a pay-per-view card. The main difference this year was that he fought a Mexican opponent, which he had not fought since 2017 as he did not want to damage his career by inflicting a loss on his compatriot.
Jaime Munguia may have suffered the first loss of his career in a chance to capture Alvarez's undisputed super middleweight title, but his star hasn't dimmed despite his performance in the fight Dew. He continually brought the fight to Alvarez and never backed down. Even after losing with an uppercut in the fourth round, Munguia showed he was competitive and wasn't afraid to interact with the Mexican legend.
It has been seven years since Alvarez last fought his compatriot, winning a unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in May 2017. On Saturday, Alvarez (60-2, 39 KOs) shined as he stepped into the ring for the main event, welcoming undefeated Jaime Munguia (44-0, 35 KOs).
At 27, Munguia still has a great career ahead of him. Although he has faced tough opponents, he has never faced someone like Alvarez, who remains one of the biggest names in boxing. Alvarez dominated most of the fight, but the young Mexican contender proved his toughness and brought his best fight.
If you expand the entire card, it will look like this:
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Canelo Alvarez defended his 168-pound title with a unanimous decision victory over Jaime Munguia.
The judges scored the fight 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 in Alvarez's favor.
The judges scored it 117-107, 116-111, 115-112, and there is no disputing that Canelo weighs 168 pounds. Munguia showed toughness, but was far from able to maintain his undefeated streak as he suffered his first career loss at the hands of the Mexican legend.
116-111, 115-112, 117-110 – Canelo vs. Jaime Munguia (via UD)
Munguia will survive! The verdict will be on the scorecards, but Canelo put on a masterclass and didn't let Munguia do much. He finished the fight with a clean right, another uppercut that Munguia would feel tomorrow.
Munguia is in desperation mode but can't find the big man he needs. Canelo's defense is mostly on point. The fight enters the 12th round with Canelo likely to hold a large lead.
Come R11, Munguia is still throwing punches. He's probably lost every round since the knockdown. I need something to come back.But he's shown tremendous grit and heart in this fight so far.
Canelo continued to move fluidly, narrowly avoiding most of Munguia's shots. The fight slowed down as Canelo happily stayed on the outside and landed counters as Munguia moved forward.
Munguia does everything he has to move and doesn't give it all back
— Showtime Shawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 5, 2024
It was Munguia's best round since Round 3.
The problem is Canelo knows he can't hurt himself.
— Roberto Jose Andrade Franco (@R_AndradeFranco) May 5, 2024
When Canelo hits Munguia with a jab, it's really effective. If young people stick to that, nothing will happen.Canelo is putting a little pressure on him now.
I didn't think Canelo wanted to see number nine. I'm a little surprised he's still pacing himself. But obviously, it's all Canelo at this point.I don't know what adjustments are needed for Munguia.
— Showtime Shawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 5, 2024
Canelo has now found his rhythm and is starting to land combos. One of those combos caused damage to Munguia's body.
Did Freddy tell Munguia that the only way to win was by KO? Because that's the only way he can win.It's time to try soaring… Might as well empty all the bullets
