Jaime Munguia is already 42-0 at 27 years old, and the Mexican fighter is one of Golden Boy's high-rated fighters. However, his resume has been questioned by boxing fans over the years, particularly his level of competition. The Mexican fighter is ready to erase all doubts about his ability when he faces John Ryder on January 27.
Born in Tijuana, Munguia turned pro in 2013 and won the WBO super welterweight title from Sadam Ali in 2018. Since then, he has beaten the likes of Liam Smith, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan, and Gabriel Rosado. Munguia has moved through multiple divisions, finally settling on super middleweight.
In what was his first test at 168 pounds, Munguia edged Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a Fight of the Year candidate. Now, he faces Ryder, a former interim WBA and WBO champion. The Englishman last fought in May, losing to Canelo Alvarez, who is the undisputed super middleweight champion. A convincing win over Ryder could potentially bring Munguia closer to facing Canelo.
Canelo is represented by Premier Boxing Champions, who owe Canelo two fights under his current $100 million deal. He usually fights in May on Cinco de Mayo weekend, so Is a clash between the two Mexican fighters possible?
WATCH: Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder, live on DAZN
According to Munguia, negotiations may be at the one-yard line.
“We started conversations. They called us,” Munguia told Boxing Scene. “For me, it will be a real honor to be in the ring with Canelo, if that's possible. I have never called him out or disrespected him. I want my position by fighting in the ring. And, of course, we like the fight, but we're not calling him out. I'm proving that I am deserving to be in the ring with anyone at 168 pounds.”
Rumors of a Canelo-Munguia began last year after Canelo took care of Jermell Charlo in September.
Canelo has several fights potentially on the table, including a Mexico vs. Mexico showdown against interim WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez. There are also reports of him fighting Jermall Charlo.
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If Munguia were to fight Canelo, it would have to be a collaboration between PBC and Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya is working hard to book that fight if Munguia can tak care of Ryder.
“Imagine Jaime beating Ryder and a potential Canelo fight? It would be a huge honor to be involved in that as a promoter for an all-Mexican duel,” De La Hoya said via Boxing Scene. “Jaime is very close. Obviously, it’s all up to Canelo Alvarez. Like he says, he’s the king and chooses whoever he wants to fight. But Jaime is chipping away to get notice and recognition to be at the top, so maybe one day Canelo can choose him to fight.”