Canelo Alvarez has confronted just one fellow Mexican over the previous decade, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He didn’t appear to be all for preventing his countrymen.
The undisputed 168-pound champion made the choice to tackle Jaime Munguia on pay-per-view this coming Could 4 however, it appears, solely by default.
Nonetheless, Alvarez appeared happy Tuesday at a Los Angeles information convention that he and his opponent can be presenting an all-Mexican important occasion at T-Cellular Enviornment in Las Vegas.
“This struggle is a good supply of satisfaction for me, as a result of it’s all about Mexico,” Alvarez mentioned. “I’m proud to have my nation featured this manner in entrance of the entire world. The followers are going to be the most important winners on Could 4, and we invite everybody to what’s gonna be an enormous social gathering for Mexico.”
Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) seemed to be set to struggle 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo on Cinco de Mayo weekend. Nevertheless, they couldn’t comply with phrases ultimately.
And the champion doesn’t appear to be all for dealing with high contender David Benavidez, not less than not but. That left Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) as his most suitable choice.
Munguia, a former 154-pound beltholder, had constructed his document towards second-tier opponents till he outpointing Sergey Derevyanchenko in June of final yr and stopped John Ryder below new coach Freddie Roach this previous January.
These break-through victories led him to the head of 168-pound division and made him a official opponent for anybody, together with Alvarez.
Alvarez is coming off one in every of his strongest performances over the previous few years, a one-sided choice over the smaller Jermell Charlo in September.
“Jaime Munguia is a respectful particular person and a terrific fighter who’s earned this struggle time and again,” Alvarez mentioned. “Everybody will see how nice this struggle is for Mexico on Could 4. Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits arduous. He’s an influence puncher, and I like a problem.
“I wish to face fighters who’re hungry like I’m. He’s a fighter who can provide the followers the present they deserve.”
In the meantime, Munguia couldn’t be happier about being in the fitting place on the proper time to get the struggle.
Alvarez, 33, was his 27-year-old opponent’s position mannequin because the latter was making a reputation for himself. Now Munguia will do battle with arguably the most important star within the sport.
“Canelo has all the time been a supply of satisfaction and motivation for me,” Munguia mentioned. “I used to say once I was developing within the sport that I wish to be like him, and now we get an opportunity to face him and hopefully be the place he’s quickly.”
And he cautioned those that doubt him. He insists he’s ready for the most important problem of his life.
“We’re prepared for this stage,” he mentioned. “We’re prepared for all the pieces and we’re going to have a terrific struggle that evening. We’re very assured. That is only the start of the very best a part of my profession.
“I’ve achieved rather a lot in my profession thus far, however I imagine I’m simply reaching my peak now.”
