Andy Ruiz predicts a complicated victory for Canelo Álvarez over Jaime Munguía
Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz backs Canelo in what could be his toughest fight yet, as he squares off with Jaime Munguia on May 4.
The boxing world is chomping at the bit to see Canelo Álvarez’s (60-2-2, 39 KOs) next defense of his undisputed super middleweight championship. Canelo will try to maintain his grip on all four 168-pound belts against a serious challenge from compatriot Jaime Munguía (43-0, 34 KOs). Canelo is the heavy favorite but there has been growing support for a Munguia win, and from surprising quarters.
Not so when it comes to the former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, who is certain that Canelo will beat Munguía at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday.
“I think it will be a great fight, I know that Canelo will win, he will counterattack Munguía a lot,” said Ruiz. “However, like I said, you can’t underestimate any fighter. Munguía is Mexican, he is a warrior, he can take a lot of punishment. And he’s hungry, too.”
Munguía may seem like a rank outsider to casual Canelo fans, but he has already been an outstanding world champion, winning the WBO Super Welterweight title in 2018 and making six successful title defenses before stepping up to middleweight.
Canelo Álvarez’s best fights against Mexican boxers
Canelo is not very keen on facing Mexican competition, but a few of his 64 fights have been fellow countrymen. The most recent was Julio César Chávez Jr. on May 6, 2017. The undisputed champ won that fight at 164 pounds by unanimous decision.
Canelo has also been champion in multiple weight categories and he defended his welterweight title against Josesito López in September 2012. Canelo sent ‘Riverside Rocky’ to the canvas in the second, third and fourth rounds, before López’s corner threw in the towel in the fifth round.