Jaime Munguia did more than just beat John Ryder in nine rounds at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He showed that he is now ready for anyone at super middleweight. The days of skirting title shots, or any other major opportunities should be in the rearview mirror.
He's ready for anybody, and anything that is presented to him.
Now, lets make this clear, that doesn't mean that he would beat the likes of Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, or David Benavidez. Tonight he showed that under the direction of his new trainer, Freddie Roach, that he is evolved and has shown new facets to his game.
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
"I’m really happy because I worked hard to get ready for this,” said Munguia. “I know a lot of people didn't believe in me, and this is the result of hard work. We are ready for 168. You are correct; last time, I was just throwing punches like crazy, but this time, my timing was better. My timing was perfect. Ryder is a great fighter, and we are ready to keep on going."
Ask yourself this: would you mind seeing Munguia versus either of those aforementioned names? I'll say it right now, he'd put up a better fight than either Jermall Charlo, or Demetrius Andrade, and certainly make it more entertaining in the process.
On this night, Munguia was not a different fighter, but an improved version of himself. Under the tutelage of Roach, he actually utilized speed in letting go quick combinations down the middle, and actually bent his knees and crouched over at times at mid-range to become a bit more difficult of a target for the well-traveled Ryder. Roach showed he still has that touch as a world-class cornerman. He didn't change Munguia, but he improved him subtly. That's the art of training.
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
Munguia scored four knockdowns during this contest, and while he got touched here and there, he was much more responsible from a defensive standpoint than he was against Sergey Derevyanchenko last year. He drew a crowd of over 10,800. So Munguia does bring something to the table in that regard.
"I'm motivated for the next fight, and it's going to be better than this one, and it's going to keep getting bigger. We want the best of the best in 168. We are going to be world champions. It would be a great fight amongst Mexicans, and if Canelo gives us the chance, it would be an honor to share the ring with him," he said after improving his record to 43-0 (34 KOs).
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
So yeah, Munguia would be an underdog against Canelo and Benavidez, I get it. But tell me, after what you saw, wouldn't you like to see him in there with them?
NOW WHAT?
It was an interesting week for Ryan Garcia (I mean, isn't it always?). First he announced on social media that a fight with Rollie Romero and himself would be announced for April 20. This after he has originally announced his intention to face WBC junior welterweight titlist, Devin Haney, before switching course after a late night run with Floyd Mayweather a couple of weeks ago, and then stating his goal to face Romero.
The very next day it was announced by the PBC (and more on them later), that Romero would be defending his version of the WBA 140-pound belt against Isaac 'Pit Bull' Cruz on March 30.
Perhaps Oscar De La Hoya can rekindle that talk of 'KingRy' facing Jose Ramirez, which was shot down quickly by Garcia when it was broached by his promoter, recently. Or maybe go back to the possibility of facing Haney.
But here's an idea, how about trying to work in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions (which has a vested interest in this career) rather than always being at conflict with them? But most likely, he'll probably go out jogging again with Mayweather, and take his sound advice.
But who knew that people who have no vested interest in your career, may not have the best of intentions for you.
PREMIER PPV
It was formally announced on Thursday that Premier Boxing Champions would be launching his series with Amazon Prime Video with a pay-per-view card that is headlined by WBO junior middleweight titlist, Tim Tszyu, against Keith Thurman. This bout will be a non-title tilt which will be contested at a catch-weight of 155 pounds.
Now, this is a solid name for Tszyu on the surface, but at the same time Thurman is a career welterweight, who will have been inactive for over two years by the time this bout takes place. Also, Thurman has won just one fight since 2019. But outside of that, it's a great fight.
PBC
Also, the aforementioned bout between Romero and Cruz, will co-headline. A pivotal 154-pound match-up between Sebastian Fundora and Serhii Bohachuk is on the bill, as is the Erislandy Lara-William Zerafa for the WBA middlweight strap.
This card will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. A pay-per-view price has not been announced.
FINAL FLURRIES
WBO minimumweight champion, Oscar Collazo, is one of the sports exciting little champions. He took care of Reyneris Gutierrez in three rounds on the undercard in Phoenix....Meanwhile, Gabriela Fundora successfully defended here IBF female flyweight title by scoring a 10th round TKO of Christian Cruz. She had problems early with her movement, but was able to catch up to her in the later rounds.... Darius Fulghum defeated Alantez Fox over 10 rather tedious rounds....Seeing what's going on in the NBA with the scoring, there's no doubt in my mind that Michael Jordan would average about 40-45 points per game today....I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
