BOXING
Canelo vs Munguia: Could this be Canelo Álvarez’s last fight if he loses?
The undisputed super middleweight champion insists he is in his prime and has a couple of years at least left in the profession, but could he bounce back if he loses his titles to Jaime Munguia?
Canelo Álvarez - Jaime Munguia live online, round by round, stats and updates
If Saúl Canelo Álvarez decided to hang up his gloves today, he would be rightly regarded as one of the greats in boxing history. He currently holds the four most important belts in the super middleweight division: the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF - which means that almost every top fighter on the planet wants to take him on.
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Later this evening, one of the biggest punchers in the business will get a chance to steal Canelo’s crown. Jaime Munguía will be attempting to dethrone boxing’s most famous at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It’s as good a moment as any to ponder what might occur if the unthinkable happens. Canelo has spoken about how long he sees himself remaining in boxing and when might be the best moment to consider retirement.
Canelo’s contract with PBC
When he left Golden Boy Promotions in November 2020, Canelo signed a contract with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) for three fights for an undisclosed fee believed to be well over $100 million. The first fight was against Jermell Charlo last September, tonight’s Cinco de Mayo clash with Munguia is the second. So after tonight, Canelo will have one fight left, his final obligation to PBC, with whom he parted ways in February. For now, the assumption that something will be arranged for September.
The big question is against who? Boxing fans would like to see Canelo take on David Benavidez and according to the American, an initial deal was in place but for a low fee and without PPV royalties but then Canelo’s representatives failed to get back to him. Once the Mexican completes his contractual obligations with PBC, he will be a free agent - technically, he already is.
What has Canelo Álvarez said about retiring from boxing?
Canelo has not publicly contemplated retirement, in fact, it’s an issue he views in the medium term. In September last year, he was interviewed by former soccer star Hugo Sánchez for ESPN, in which he intimated that he plans to hang up his gloves when he turns 37. “From 28-29 years old, that was the age when I felt the best. I have always said that 37 is a good age to enjoy what I have accomplished with my family,” the boxer explained. But with that twinkle that he is known for, Álvarez went on to leave the door at least slightly ajar, saying, “Having said that, I also said that I would debut at 18 and I did it at 15...”
The fight with Munguia is a brutal affair in the offing. This is Canelo’s first fight since a comprehensive dismantling of Jermell Charlo last September. But Charlo was stepping up in weight, meeting Canelo on the Mexican’s preferred turf, almost fifteen pounds heavier than he had ever fought before.
What if Munguia KO’s Canelo?
The difference here is that Munguia is the naturally bigger man. He has fought and defeated both John Ryder and Sergiy Derevyanchenko at super middle before. Add to that Jaime Munguia’s dazzling 79% knockout rate and this test could mean that Canelo takes a pounding. And even though Canelo has a strong chin and is used to taking punishment, his armor isn’t exactly what it was when he was younger.
Even if he wins, it is almost certain that Canelo will be hit more often by harder shots than he ever has been. But if he loses, the entire landscape changes. Coming back from a loss is a mentally difficult thing to do. There is no doubt that Canelo can do it. After all, he has done it before. But a heavy-tolled fight and especially a knockout loss can live in a fighter’s head for years to come.
This bout with Munguia is more than just a title defense for Canelo Álvarez. This is perhaps the defining moment of his legacy. Of what is Canelo made? That question will not be answered on Saturday in the ring, but on Sunday once the lights have gone out and the cheers have faded. Then, and only then, will Canelo Álvarez know just how much is left in the tank.
The event will be broadcast live on pay-per-view by DAZN and Prime Video as part of the traditional Cinco de Mayo festivities. The card featuring Canelo Álvarez and Jaime Munguía as the main event is priced at $89.99.