The red-bearded champion, aged 33, clearly dominated his young opponent (27 years old), beaten for the first time in his career unanimously by the judges (43 victories, including 34 by knockout). .
Munguia fell to the ground during the 4th round, without ever finding the solution afterwards.
I had all twelve rounds to win this fight, and I boxed very well.
“I took my time, I'm experienced. Jaime is a great fighter, strong, intelligent (..), I had twelve rounds to win this fight, and I boxed very well”commented “Canelo”.
Alvarez thus recorded the 61st victory of his prestigious career, which began in 2005, for two draws and two defeats. After winning the unified super middleweight title in November 2021 against the American Caleb Plant, he defended it on Saturday for the fourth time.
He had in the meantime been beaten by the Russian Dmitry Bivol in May 2022 in the higher category.
“I don’t think I’m the best boxer in history, but I’m the best right now, that’s for sure.”estimated Saul Alvarez.
The 20,000 supporters of the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, in Mexican colors, were divided between the two champions, for this fight fought on the eve of “Cinco de Mayo” (May 5), an important celebration for the Mexican community in the United States. United, which commemorates the victory of the Mexican army against the French army on May 5, 1862.
“The whole world is watching us Mexicans”exclaimed “Canelo”, slightly dominated at the start of the fight, before displaying all his knowledge of the noble art.
In the 4th round, a left hook followed by a powerful right uppercut sent Muguia to the ground, who quickly got up, but then became more cautious.
“I felt good, I think I won the first rounds, but I ran into a very experienced boxer”conceded Munguia.
Seeming more powerful and more precise, “Canelo” insisted with blows to the liver making his opponent suffer to open gaps in his guard, as in the 7th round with this left hook following a paying body work.
Even when he felt the need to take a breather, Alvarez knew how to be cunning, complaining for example at one point about a blow judged below the belt, and gaining a few seconds of respite.
The rest is uncertain for “Canelo”, he who locked the category.
The boxing world is demanding a clash against David Benavidez, and some challengers, like the formidable French puncher Christian Mbilli, dream of having their chance against the Mexican, but are not considered “profitable” enough by “Canelo”.
“I'm going to rest first, with my family. If the purse is enough (against Benavidez), I can fight right away, I don't care”launched “Canelo”, while the organization of fights obviously remains more complex, in a sport which often struggles to bring together the very best.
