Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez defeated Jaime Munguia via unanimous decision in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.
Alvarez knocked Munguia down in the fourth round but wouldn’t finish him off as the bout went the distance.
Canelo floors Jaime Munguia
‘Canelo’ felled his fellow Mexican opponent with a huge uppercut before winning on the scorecards with scores of 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112 to retain his undisputed super-middleweight world championship.
Munguia came out of the gate hot in this one and was able to force Alvarez back against the ropes at several instances in the early going.
However that all came to a screeching halt when ‘Canelo’ unloaded the jolting shot in the fourth round that dropped Munguia heavily to the canvas.
From that moment on the superior power and precision of ‘Canelo’ was on show.
He took command of the fight, punishing Munguia with crisp combinations and ensuring the judges noted his dominance over the remaining rounds.
To Munguia’s great credit, he stayed in the bout and even managed a flurry of offence in the ninth round that once again backed Alvarez into the ropes.
However it wasn’t enough as a strong finish from ‘Canelo’ ensured that he added another dominant title defence to his incredible career record.
Alvarez gave credit to his opponent and picked him to go on to have a great career in the ring.
‘I can do what I want’
He appeared to take shots at critics who suggested that Munguia didn’t deserve a shot at his title.
“I’ve fought everyone and I can do what I want,” he said.
“This win means a lot. I’m glad that I gave him this opportunity.
“Munguia is a great guy and a great champion. He’s going to have a great career. I’m very proud that all the Mexicans are here watching us.”
Munguia gives up his unbeaten career record to date as a result of the loss and he admitted that it stung.
“I came out strong and was winning the early rounds,” said Munguia, who lost his unbeaten record.
“I let my hands go, but he’s a fighter with a lot of experience. The loss hurts because it’s my first loss and I felt strong.”
Alvarez is esteemed in the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the world and secured his 61st career win in his 65th fight.
He has earmarked 2027 as the year he intends to hang up his gloves for good.