In a thrilling night of boxing, Jaime Munguia showcased his skills and left no doubt about his intentions. He was not only seeking victory against John Ryder but also hoping to catch the attention of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. Munguia's impressive performance on Saturday in Phoenix may have just earned him the opportunity he was seeking.
Throughout the fight, Munguia showcased his power by dropping Ryder four times, with two devastating knockdowns in the ninth round. The barrage of punches left Ryder defenseless against the ropes, forcing his cornerman to contemplate throwing in the towel. However, the fight ultimately ended with referee Wes Melton waving off the bout as the damage piled up at 1:25 of the ninth round.
Munguia's performance cannot be overlooked when considering his potential matchup with Alvarez. One point of comparison is Ryder himself, who previously fought Alvarez and managed to survive the distance despite being knocked down once. In contrast, Munguia's four knockdowns and the brutal finish were attention-grabbing and may have caught the eye of Alvarez and boxing fans worldwide.
After the fight, Munguia demonstrated his respect and admiration for his fellow Mexican countryman, Canelo Alvarez. He expressed his desire for a fight between the two, stating that it would be an honor to step into the ring with Alvarez. With his impressive performance, Munguia certainly positioned himself as a worthy challenger.
The fight against Ryder showcased Munguia's evolution as a boxer. Under the tutelage of renowned trainer Freddie Roach, he displayed patience and poise throughout the match. While Ryder displayed resilience and occasionally landed his own shots, Munguia remained the aggressor, landing the harder punches and slowly wearing down his opponent before delivering the final, explosive finish.
The fight card at the Footprint Center in Phoenix also featured two other title bouts, both won by the reigning champions.
Oscar Collazo successfully defended his WBO strawweight championship by delivering a third-round TKO against Reyneriz Gutierrez in the co-main event. Collazo's dominant performance showcased his left hook, which found its mark repeatedly throughout the fight. With a combination of aggression and patience, Collazo overpowered Gutierrez, ultimately dropping him face-first with a powerful left hand to secure the victory.
In another title fight, Gabriela Fundora, the IBF women's flyweight champion, stayed undefeated and handed Christina Cruz her first loss. Initially, Cruz's evasive side-to-side movement posed a challenge for Fundora. However, Fundora adjusted her strategy and targeted Cruz's body, weakening her opponent and taking control of the fight. The match concluded with Fundora securing a 10th-round TKO after landing powerful blows that prompted Cruz to turn away and the referee to intervene.
Overall, the fight card in Phoenix offered an evening filled with exciting boxing action and impressive displays of skill and determination. From Munguia's electrifying performance to Collazo and Fundora's successful title defenses, the event showcased the athleticism and tenacity of these talented fighters. Now, fans eagerly await the potential clash between Munguia and Alvarez, a battle that promises to be a remarkable showdown between Mexican boxing stars.
