Canelo Alvarez hits Jaime Munguia in a super middleweight title fight Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Once again on Cinco de Mayo weekend Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez headlined a pay-per-view card. The major difference this year was he was fighting a Mexican opponent, something he hadn't done since 2017 due to not wanting to diminish the career of one of his fellow countrymen by handing them a loss.
Jaime Munguía may have suffered the first loss of his career in his chance to take Álvarez's undisputed super middleweight title, but his star won't shine any less bright after his tough performance. He continually brought the fight to Álvarez and never backed down. Even after he was dropped in the fourth round with an uppercut, Munguía showed he was game and was definitely not afraid to exchange with the Mexican legend.
Munguía, at 27, still has a great career in front of him. Despite having faced formidable opponents, he hadn't faced someone like Álvarez, who is still the biggest name in boxing. Álvarez mostly dominated, but the young Mexican contender proved his toughness and brought his A game.
Judges scored it 117-107, 116-111 & 115-112 and Canelo stays undisputed at 168 pounds. Munguia showed his toughness, but it wasn't close to enough to stay undefeated as he suffers his first career loss at the hands of the Mexican legend.
Yahoo Sports Staff
116-111, 115-112, 117-110 - Canelo def Jaime Munguia via UD
Munguia survives! We're going to the scorecards for the decision, but Canelo put on a masterclass and didn't let Munguia do much. He closed the fight landing some clean right hands with another uppercut that Munguia will feel tomorrow.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Munguia is in desperation mode, but can't find the big shot he needs. Canelo's defense is mostly on point. Fight enters the 12th round with Canelo likely holding a huge lead.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Coming to R11 and Munguia still punching. Probably has lost every round since the knockdown. Badly needs something to get back in. But has showed tremendous grit and heart so far in this fight
Canelo staying slick and just out of the way of the majority of Munguia's shots. Fight has slowed down with Canelo happy to stay on the outside and land counters when Munguia pushes forward.
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) May 5, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
It's really working for Canelo when he just jabs with Munguia. Young guy can't get anything going when he sticks to that. Canelo building a little pressure off that now
I didn’t think Canelo wanted to see 9rds. I’m a little surprised he’s still pacing himself. But clearly it’s all Canelo at this point. Not sure of the adjustment needed for Munguia
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 5, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
Canelo has found his rhythm now and is starting to land combos. One of those combos hurt Munguia to the body.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Does FREDDIE tell MUNGUIA the only way he wins is by KO? Because that’s the only way he wins. Time to try and surge… May as well empty all da bullets
Left hook hurts Munguia, but he stays upright. Entertaining fight so far.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Munguia's showing some real toughness continuing to come forward after getting rocked in the last round, but he is slowing down and breathing heavier. Canelo, despite not landing many combos, is still powerful and much smarter in the ring
Yahoo Sports Staff
.@Canelo detonates a right uppercut that sends Munguia to the canvas in RD4!
— Roberto José Andrade Franco (@R_AndradeFranco) May 5, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
The game plan for Canelo is to break down Jaime. Allow him to punch and get to his body to fatigue him. Jaime is workin Nicely but can’t SMF all asleep
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) May 5, 2024
Yahoo Sports Staff
Munguia ends the round firing multiple shots, landing few but there was a big straight that backed up Canelo.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Canelo may be preserving energy while Munguia is expending a lot. Canelo is making him whiff on a lot of big shots.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Canelo’s not putting combinations together. That’s the first thing to go for older/battle-worn fighters.
The crowd seems to be in favor of Jaime Munguia in the opening round. Tijuana just a two-hour drive from Las Vegas. Loud Mun-gui-a chants with every punch thrown. #CaneloMunguia
Judges all score it 116-111 in favor of Barrios, who wins the WBC interim welterweight title. The main event is up next!
Yahoo Sports Staff
Whoever the commentator is next to Sergio Mora is trash man, get someone that can do the job correctly. I bet bro never threw a punch in his life. #CaneloMunguia
It was initially a demanding fight for the champion, but Álvarez silenced Munguía's typically explosive speed and combinations with precise counter punches.
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