Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and undefeated former world champion Jaime Munguia are closing in on an all-Mexico showdown Saturday, May 4 in Las Vegas.
Canelo-Munguia would mark the first ever undisputed world title bout between two Mexicans. Whether it actually happens, and where it lands, remains to be seen. Over the weekend, ESPN reporter Salvador “Chava” Rodriguez confirmed that both sides were close to an agreement that would see the superfight land on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
The news could conclude a whirlwind of rumors surrounding the 33-year-old Canelo, widely considered the face of boxing. Last summer, the four-division world champion announced a partnership with Al Haymon’s PBC. According to reports, the agreement was for three fights, kicking off with Canelo’s lopsided decision win over former 154-pound undisputed world champion Jermell Charlo last September.
According to ESPN’S Mike Coppinger, negotiations for Canelo’s second fight hit a snag over choice of opponent and fight purse. According to Coppinger, PBC preferred Canelo face Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) over Jermall Charlo, believing the latter would be a tougher sell. These reports also stated that PBC wanted Alvarez to agree to face undefeated two-time world champion David Benavidez, be it in May or September. Benavidez is the consensus top opponent for Canelo and the fight is likely to cross the one million pay-per-view mark.
This led to Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) seeking options elsewhere, including a return to DAZN. No more, according to reports which say the Mexican star restarted negotiations with PBC and is likely to stay there for two more fights. Alvarez is now set to face Munguia, the 27-year-old former 154-pound champion who has shown marked improvement under the tutelage of trainer Freddie Roach. In January, Munguia scored a career best win, stopping John Ryder in 11 rounds. Canelo went the distance with Ryder last May. The win made Munguia a viable opponent for Canelo, one who could upset the apple cart.
Still, Canelo-Benavidez remains the apple of the boxing world’s eye. Benavidez, also a PBC fighter, is likely to move up to light heavyweight in his next bout with former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk. An announcement on Canelo’s final decision is expected to take place over the next few days.
