By: Sean Crose
“Anybody whose a world champion,” Jaime Munguia informed me late in 2019, “I’d prefer to face him.” Munguia, who was a couple of days away from dealing with Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan on the time, was referring to the present crop of middleweight world titlists. Now, closing in on three years later, Munguia has but to face a world title holder. He’s fought six opponents since we spoke, and has efficiently bested all six. Nonetheless, the person has but to face a serious identify. O’Sullivan and Gabe Rosado are undoubtedly high quality fighters, however extra was anticipated of Munguia.
For sure, critics of the 26 yr previous Munguia aren’t happy with the extent of competitors Munguia is about to face Saturday night time in Guadalajara. As Forbes places it, Munguia is “preventing an opponent in Gonzalo Coria that hardly anyone has ever heard of and, presumably, has subsequent to no likelihood to tug off the upset.” That is most distinctly not the form of assertion Munguia can probably need written about him in a serious publication. But pure boxing publications – and their respective journalists – are expressing their displeasure with the present state of Munguia’s profession, as properly. Suffice to say, the person has good motive to carry out exceptionally this weekend.
At 40-0 there’s little doubt that Munguia has had a formidable profession regardless of how one needs to understand it. All however 8 of his fights have ended inside the distance. What’s extra, Munguia has been a world titlist, successful the WBO junior middleweight strap off Sadam Ali in 2018 earlier than efficiently defending the belt a complete of 5 occasions in opposition to the likes of Liam Smith and Takeshi Inoue, each fighters of word. Nonetheless the Mexican native’s record of current opponents have dissatisfied those that have been anticipating to see the ability puncher partaking in excessive stage contests at this level.
As for Coria – that is clearly the chance of a lifetime for the unknown fighter. Boasting a document of 21-5, the 25 yr previous Argentine isn’t a prime contender, although he’s received his final three in a row. Ought to he emerge victorious this night in Mexico, the person would absolutely develop into the discuss of the battle world, having given the boxing public the upset of the yr. Defeating Munguia will probably be a tall order, nonetheless, particularly for somebody who has by no means confronted such a stage of competitors earlier than. Nonetheless, boxing being boxing, one by no means does know.
