As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, former world champion Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) will battle John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. in a 12-round super middleweight clash.
The explosive fight night, which is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
“I am very happy to return to the ring, and I’m excited to be with my people from Phoenix,” said Munguia. “We know that Ryder is a dangerous rival, but we are prepared for it. We have not stopped training and preparing. I am also very happy to have added Freddie Roach and his team to my camp. We are going to give a great night of boxing to everyone watching, and if we overcome this great test, I hope to see you all again in May. Viva Tijuana and Viva Mexico!”
Mungia was last seen in June winning the WBC silver super middleweight championship against the rugged, former world title contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a masterful performance that was lauded as a Fight of the Year Candidate. Munguía has held the WBO Super Welterweight title from 2018 to 2019, successfully defending it five times.
“I’m glad this fight has been made,” said John Ryder. “I’m looking to kick 2024 off with a bang and make a statement come January 27.”
Ryder displayed his toughness when he went the distance with the current, undisputed world champion Canelo Alvarez in Ma. He has dispatched a number of top contenders, the most notable being Daniel Jacobs in 2022.
“On January 27, the next Mexican superstar of the sport will officially be crowned — and his name is Jamie Munguía,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Whether it’s in person or at home on DAZN, fans shouldn’t miss watching Munguía do what Canelo couldn’t — knock John Ryder out.”
“We are happy about Jaime’s return to the ring,” said CEO of Zanfer Boxing Fernando Beltran.”We are going to show everyone that Munguía is here to fight anyone, we are going to give a great night of boxing to the people of Phoenix and the entire world. Que Viva Mexico!”
“I am delighted that we’ve been able to deliver another massive fight for John,” said Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Last time out, it was Canelo in Guadalajara – assignments in boxing don’t get much more intense than that, but John handled himself superbly, delivered one of the bravest performances I’ve seen and won plenty of new fans. John’s reward is another fight with a brilliant Mexican fighter. Jaime is a massive talent and a future superstar of the sport – but we believe John is the biggest test of his career, and we’re confident John will hand Jaime a first defeat.”
–BOXINGSCENE.COM
