Canelo Alvarez has faced only one fellow Mexican over the past decade, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He didn’t seem to be interested in fighting his countrymen.
The undisputed 168-pound champion made the decision to take on Jaime Munguia on pay-per-view this coming May 4 but, it seems, only by default.
Still, Alvarez seemed pleased Tuesday at a Los Angeles news conference that he and his opponent will be presenting an all-Mexican main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“This fight is a great source of pride for me, because it’s all about Mexico,” Alvarez said. “I’m proud to have my country featured this way in front of the whole world. The fans are going to be the biggest winners on May 4, and we invite everyone to what’s gonna be a big party for Mexico.”
Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) appeared to be set to fight 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo on Cinco de Mayo weekend. However, they couldn’t agree to terms in the end.
And the champion doesn’t seem to be interested in facing top contender David Benavidez, at least not yet. That left Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) as his best option.
Munguia, a former 154-pound beltholder, had built his record against second-tier opponents until he outpointing Sergey Derevyanchenko in June of last year and stopped John Ryder under new trainer Freddie Roach this past January.
Those break-through victories led him to the pinnacle of 168-pound division and made him a legitimate opponent for anyone, including Alvarez.
Alvarez is coming off one of his strongest performances over the past few years, a one-sided decision over the smaller Jermell Charlo in September.
“Jaime Munguia is a respectful person and a great fighter who’s earned this fight again and again,” Alvarez said. “Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4. Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits hard. He’s a power puncher, and I like a challenge.
“I want to face fighters who are hungry like I am. He’s a fighter who can give the fans the show they deserve.”
Meanwhile, Munguia couldn’t be happier about being in the right place at the right time to get the fight.
Alvarez, 33, was his 27-year-old opponent’s role model as the latter was making a name for himself. Now Munguia will do battle with arguably the biggest star in the sport.
“Canelo has always been a source of pride and motivation for me,” Munguia said. “I used to say when I was coming up in the sport that I want to be like him, and now we get a chance to face him and hopefully be where he is soon.”
And he cautioned those who doubt him. He insists he’s prepared for the biggest challenge of his life.
“We’re ready for this stage,” he said. “We’re ready for everything and we’re going to have a great fight that night. We’re very confident. This is just the beginning of the best part of my career.
“I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but I believe I’m just reaching my peak now.”
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