Canelo Alvarez v Jaime Munguia fight result as champion survives slow start to defend title in Las Vegas
Super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez handed compatriot Jaime Munguia a first ever career defeat after putting his belts on the line at T-Mobile Arena in Nevada
Canelo Alvarez defended his undisputed super-middleweight title against Jaime Munguia, but was taken the distance in Las Vegas before winning by unanimous decision.
The Mexican, who had just two defeats from 64 bouts going into the match-up at T-Mobile Arena, didn't have everything his own way in the opening rounds. However, he took charge after knocking Munguia down for the first time ever when he landed an uppercut in round four.
Fellow Mexican Munguia went into the fight as the reigning WBC Silver super middleweight champion, having defended that title against John Ryder in January. The 27-year-old boasted an unbeaten career record before taking on his compatriot, who is six years his senior.
As the bout drew on, Munguia chased the knockout which he recognised offered his best chance of an upset. It didn't arrive, though, with Canelo handing him a first career loss as the fight was scored 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 in favour of the defending champ.
Canelo's victory means he remains unbeaten at super middleweight. His only defeat in the last decade came when he stepped up to light heavyweight, losing to Dmitry Bivol in 2022, but this is his fourth straight win since.
Before the fight, the 33-year-old said he was feeling "better than ever" about his prospects. "I have everything I need to win and I know exactly what I need to do," he said.
"Munguia has power and he’s a good fighter. But I’m a strong fighter too and I’m gonna show everyone again on Saturday night. The fight will last as long as it lasts. One thing is for sure, you are not going to want to miss it."
What's next for Canelo? Have your say in the comments section
After Canelo's victory, there has been clamour for him to take on David Benavidez in his next fight. American fighter Benavidez, 27, boasts a 28-0-0 career record with 24 knockouts, and Canelo was asked about the prospect on ESPN First Take before the Munguia meeting, saying: "If the money is correct, why not," Alvarez said.
Speaking after his win against Munguia, he appeared to be in no rush to decide on his next move, but doubled down on his earlier comments. “I don’t know right now,” Álvarez said, as relaid by The Guardian. “I’m going to rest, I’m going to enjoy my family. But you know, if the money is right, I an fight right now. I don’t give a s***.
“At this point, everybody’s asking for everything, right? When I fought Lara, Charlo, Miguel Angel Cotto, Mayweather, Billie Joe Saunders, everybody say I don’t want to fight them. And I fought all of them. So right now, I can ask whatever I want and I can do whatever I want.”
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