Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is set to defend his title against fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia on May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight, which will take place at 168 pounds, will be streamed live on DAZN as a co-promotion between Premier Boxing Champions, Canelo, and Golden Boy.
Despite speculation that Canelo might part ways with PBC, an agreement was reached to continue their partnership at least through this upcoming bout. However, the decision to face Munguia instead of super-middleweight contender David Benavidez has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits.
Munguia, with an undefeated record of 43-0, has been seen as a rising star in the division. Standing at 6 feet tall, he is expected to provide a tough challenge for Canelo. On the other hand, Benavidez, known as The Monster Bandera Roja, poses a different threat with his 28-0 record and 24 knockouts.
Benavidez's recent victories over notable opponents like Demetrius Andrade and Caleb Plant have showcased his potential to trouble Canelo. The decision to bypass Benavidez in favor of Munguia has sparked debate about Canelo's choice of opponents.
However, Canelo's track record of facing top-tier competition across multiple weight classes lends credibility to his decision-making. Having fought from 154 to 175 pounds, Canelo has proven himself against a wide range of opponents.
Notably, Canelo himself has experienced being on the receiving end of a high-profile fight decision when he faced Floyd Mayweather at just 23 years old. Mayweather's strategic choice to fight Canelo at a catchweight of 152 pounds resulted in a challenging bout for the young Mexican fighter.
Similarly, other fighters like Terence Crawford have expressed preferences for certain matchups based on strategic considerations. While the decision to face Munguia over Benavidez may disappoint some fans, it underscores the complexities of matchmaking in the world of boxing.
Ultimately, whether Canelo ever steps into the ring with Benavidez remains to be seen. However, his legacy as one of the sport's greatest stars is secure, regardless of the outcome of individual matchups.
