Jaime Munguia continues his middleweight journey against Tureano Johnson on Friday in Indio, Calif. (DAZN). Munguia, a former junior middleweight titleholder, will be fighting at 160 pounds for the second time. The Mexican slugger, only 24, stopped …
Jaime Munguia continues his middleweight journey against Tureano Johnson on Friday in Indio, Calif. (DAZN).
Munguia, a former junior middleweight titleholder, will be fighting at 160 pounds for the second time. The Mexican slugger, only 24, stopped Gary O’Sullivan in 11 rounds in his debut at the weight in January.
Johnson, a 36-year-old veteran, is a capable boxer-puncher but he has come up short in his biggest fights. He seemed to be finished as an elite fighter after knockout losses to Curtis Stevens and Sergiy Derevyanchenko but bounced back to stop previously unbeaten Jason Quigley in nine rounds in July of last year.
In this episode of Showdown, DAZN commentator Beto Duran interviews Munguia and Johnson at the same time.
Here’s what they had to say.
The Ak & Barak Show is available on DAZN and Sirius XM Fight Nation, Channel 156.
Jaime Munguia continues his middleweight journey against Tureano Johnson on Friday in Indio, Calif. (DAZN). Munguia, a former junior middleweight titleholder, will be fighting at 160 pounds for the second time. The Mexican slugger, only 24, stopped …
Jaime Munguia continues his middleweight journey against Tureano Johnson on Friday in Indio, Calif. (DAZN).
Munguia, a former junior middleweight titleholder, will be fighting at 160 pounds for the second time. The Mexican slugger, only 24, stopped Gary O’Sullivan in 11 rounds in his debut at the weight in January.
Johnson, a 36-year-old veteran, is a capable boxer-puncher but he has come up short in his biggest fights. He seemed to be finished as an elite fighter after knockout losses to Curtis Stevens and Sergiy Derevyanchenko but bounced back to stop previously unbeaten Jason Quigley in nine rounds in July of last year.
In this episode of Showdown, DAZN commentator Beto Duran interviews Munguia and Johnson at the same time.
Here’s what they had to say.
The Ak & Barak Show is available on DAZN and Sirius XM Fight Nation, Channel 156.
Jaime Munguia will face his biggest test at middleweight when he fights Tureano Johnson on Oct. 30.
Jaime Munguia is far from the colorful sort. He doesn’t boast. He doesn’t make excuses. He doesn’t tear down his opponents. All he does is win.
The 24-year-old Mexican burst on the scene by demolishing Sadam Ali in four rounds to win a major 154-pound title in May 2018 and successfully defended five times before moving up to 160, building a reputation as a physically imposing young fighter in the process.
In one of those defenses, against Dennis Hogan in April of last year, Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) won a majority decision but struggled to do so in Monterrey, Mexico. Some thought Munguia benefited from home cooking on the scorecards.
Is he vulnerable?
His next opponent thinks so. Tureano Johnson, who Munguia is scheduled to face on Oct. 30 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif., left little doubt about his assessment of his young opponent when speaking to Boxing Junkie recently.
“Is he overrated? 100 percent,” said Johnson, pointing to the Hogan fight as evidence.
Jaime Munguia (right) stopped Gary O’Sullivan in his first fight at 160 pounds. Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions
Munguia was asked about the Hogan fight and didn’t try to come up with “reasons” for what happened.
“I think you’re right,” he told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “It was a bad night. No excuses. We’ll just keep working, won’t give up. But we keep getting better.”
And did he take advantage of the opportunity to hit back at Johnson? Nah. That’s not who he is.
“I respect him as a great fighter,” Munguia said. “He has a lot of experience, in the amateurs – in the Olympics – and as a pro. I respect him. We’re going to be ready.”
Munguia was pressed on one potential factor in the Hogan fight, his second to last at 154: weight.
The body of the Tijuana native obviously is still maturing, meaning he was going to grow out of the junior middleweight division at some point. And, indeed, he acknowledged that making weight had become a chore.
Munguia said that under former trainer Robert Alcazar he would go directly into a sauna after his workouts and even trained next to a portable heater in an effort to keep his weight down. It was time to move up.
He made his middleweight debut against Gary O’Sullivan this past January, his second fight with new trainer and fellow Tijuana resident Erik Morales. He won by an 11th-round stoppage.
“I was working too hard to make 154. I didn’t see another option other than moving up in weight,” he said.
Munguia said the O’Sullivan fight was a gateway into a new division, an opportunity to see how he felt before and during the fight in this new territory. He said he felt good. And he expects to feel even better on Oct. 30.
Johnson (21-2-1, 15 KOs) could be a significant test. The native of the Bahamas came up short in his two biggest fights, losing by knockout to both Curtis Stevens and more recently against Sergiy Derevyanchenko.
However, he’s coming off an impressive ninth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jason Quigley in July of last year. He appears to be sharp at 36 years old.
Munguia is taking nothing for granted.
Let’s go back to his break-through victory over Ali. The then-21-year-old – a kid by boxing’s standards – celebrated the realization of a childhood dream but quickly went back to work. He wants to become a champion in a second division and gain the popularity of such Mexican heroes as his mentor, Morales.
And he has to beat Johnson to take the next step in that direction.
“Of course, I was happy,” Munguia said of the victory over Ali. “And I knew more things would come because of it. But I didn’t forget that I have to keep working. Now we’re here and we’re still working.”
Jaime Munguia will face his biggest test at middleweight when he fights Tureano Johnson on Oct. 30.
Jaime Munguia is far from the colorful sort. He doesn’t boast. He doesn’t make excuses. He doesn’t tear down his opponents. All he does is win.
The 24-year-old Mexican burst on the scene by demolishing Sadam Ali in four rounds to win a major 154-pound title in May 2018 and successfully defended five times before moving up to 160, building a reputation as a physically imposing young fighter in the process.
In one of those defenses, against Dennis Hogan in April of last year, Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) won a majority decision but struggled to do so in Monterrey, Mexico. Some thought Munguia benefited from home cooking on the scorecards.
Is he vulnerable?
His next opponent thinks so. Tureano Johnson, who Munguia is scheduled to face on Oct. 30 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif., left little doubt about his assessment of his young opponent when speaking to Boxing Junkie recently.
“Is he overrated? 100 percent,” said Johnson, pointing to the Hogan fight as evidence.
Jaime Munguia (right) stopped Gary O’Sullivan in his first fight at 160 pounds. Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions
Munguia was asked about the Hogan fight and didn’t try to come up with “reasons” for what happened.
“I think you’re right,” he told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “It was a bad night. No excuses. We’ll just keep working, won’t give up. But we keep getting better.”
And did he take advantage of the opportunity to hit back at Johnson? Nah. That’s not who he is.
“I respect him as a great fighter,” Munguia said. “He has a lot of experience, in the amateurs – in the Olympics – and as a pro. I respect him. We’re going to be ready.”
Munguia was pressed on one potential factor in the Hogan fight, his second to last at 154: weight.
The body of the Tijuana native obviously is still maturing, meaning he was going to grow out of the junior middleweight division at some point. And, indeed, he acknowledged that making weight had become a chore.
Munguia said that under former trainer Robert Alcazar he would go directly into a sauna after his workouts and even trained next to a portable heater in an effort to keep his weight down. It was time to move up.
He made his middleweight debut against Gary O’Sullivan this past January, his second fight with new trainer and fellow Tijuana resident Erik Morales. He won by an 11th-round stoppage.
“I was working too hard to make 154. I didn’t see another option other than moving up in weight,” he said.
Munguia said the O’Sullivan fight was a gateway into a new division, an opportunity to see how he felt before and during the fight in this new territory. He said he felt good. And he expects to feel even better on Oct. 30.
Johnson (21-2-1, 15 KOs) could be a significant test. The native of the Bahamas came up short in his two biggest fights, losing by knockout to both Curtis Stevens and more recently against Sergiy Derevyanchenko.
However, he’s coming off an impressive ninth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jason Quigley in July of last year. He appears to be sharp at 36 years old.
Munguia is taking nothing for granted.
Let’s go back to his break-through victory over Ali. The then-21-year-old – a kid by boxing’s standards – celebrated the realization of a childhood dream but quickly went back to work. He wants to become a champion in a second division and gain the popularity of such Mexican heroes as his mentor, Morales.
And he has to beat Johnson to take the next step in that direction.
“Of course, I was happy,” Munguia said of the victory over Ali. “And I knew more things would come because of it. But I didn’t forget that I have to keep working. Now we’re here and we’re still working.”
Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will return to the ring against Tureano Johnson on Oct. 30 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif.
Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will return to the ring against Tureano Johnson on Oct. 30 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The card will be streamed on DAZN.
Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) is ranked by three of the four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBO. The 23-year-old Mexican is coming off an 11th-round knockout of Gary O’Sullivan in January, his first fight at 160 pounds.
The native of Tijuana is a former 154-pound titleholder.
“It’s a great honor to be returning during these tough times,” Munguia said. “I hope to deliver excitement and entertainment to the fans as the world begins to slowly make its return to normalcy.
“At the same time, I have been training and improving my skills with my team at the Ceremonial Center in Otomi [Mexico], and I will show everyone that Jaime Munguia is ready for the best in the division.”
Johnson (21-2-1, 1 KOs) is coming off a surprising ninth-round knockout of previously unbeaten Jason Quigley in July of last year, which pumped life into what seemed to be sputtering career.
The 36-year-old Bahamian had lost to Sergiy Derevyanchenko, took a long break from boxing and drew with journeyman Fernando Castaneda in his comeback fight between 2017 and last year.
“I am excited about the opportunity to fight Jaime Munguia,” Johnson said. “The setbacks I have had in my career have only made me stronger. Munguia is a tough undefeated fighter, but I will hand him his first defeat as I pursue my quest to be the middleweight champion of the world.”
Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will return to the ring against Tureano Johnson on Oct. 30 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif.
Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will return to the ring against Tureano Johnson on Oct. 30 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The card will be streamed on DAZN.
Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) is ranked by three of the four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBO. The 23-year-old Mexican is coming off an 11th-round knockout of Gary O’Sullivan in January, his first fight at 160 pounds.
The native of Tijuana is a former 154-pound titleholder.
“It’s a great honor to be returning during these tough times,” Munguia said. “I hope to deliver excitement and entertainment to the fans as the world begins to slowly make its return to normalcy.
“At the same time, I have been training and improving my skills with my team at the Ceremonial Center in Otomi [Mexico], and I will show everyone that Jaime Munguia is ready for the best in the division.”
Johnson (21-2-1, 1 KOs) is coming off a surprising ninth-round knockout of previously unbeaten Jason Quigley in July of last year, which pumped life into what seemed to be sputtering career.
The 36-year-old Bahamian had lost to Sergiy Derevyanchenko, took a long break from boxing and drew with journeyman Fernando Castaneda in his comeback fight between 2017 and last year.
“I am excited about the opportunity to fight Jaime Munguia,” Johnson said. “The setbacks I have had in my career have only made me stronger. Munguia is a tough undefeated fighter, but I will hand him his first defeat as I pursue my quest to be the middleweight champion of the world.”
Irish middleweight Jason Quigley is the latest candidate to face Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 12. Quigley (18-1, 14 KOs) is known as a good fighter. The native of Laghy, who lives in the U.S., was an outstanding amateur. He won European titles before …
Irish middleweight Jason Quigley is the latest candidate to face Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 12.
Quigley (18-1, 14 KOs) is known as a good fighter. The native of Laghy, who lives in the U.S., was an outstanding amateur. He won European titles before turning pro. And he has had success in the paid ranks, with victories over Glen Tapia and Freddy Hernandez.
His one setback came in July of last year, when he was stopped in nine rounds by Tureano Johnson. He has since won two in a row.
Is this the level of fighter who belongs in the ring with someone of Alvarez’s caliber?
DAZN commentators Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora tackle that question in this episode of Jabs with Mannix and Mora.
Eddie Hearn said only one of the four names he submitted to Golden Boy is in discussions to fight Canelo Alvarez: Callum Smith.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told BoxingScene.com that he recently submitted four names as potential opponents for Canelo Alvarez. Only one has had discussions with Alvarez promoter Golden Boy: Callum Smith.
Alvarez is expected to fight on Sept. 12. He still doesn’t have an opponent. Golden Boy isn’t tipping its hand but, indeed, Smith apparently is a front runner. Golden Boy partner Bernard Hopkins suggested John Ryder was another leading candidate. And David Lemieux and Jason Quigley reportedly also are being considered.
Golden Boy apparently is seeking an inexpensive option because the fight will take place without spectators, meaning profits from the live gate will be sacrificed.
Hearn and Golden Boy are both aligned with DAZN, which streams Alvarez’s fights.
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“I put forward to Golden Boy three or four weeks ago Dmitry Bivol, Demetrius Andrade, Callum Smith and John Ryder and I said this is all the money they want,” Hearn said. “The only one there has been a discussion about is Callum Smith. So far.
“I saw Bernard Hopkins’ comments. There have been no discussions about John Ryder at all. I do believe he is in the mix. But we haven’t had an offer, we have not discussed money. We have discussed money on Callum Smith and we are not quite where we need to be.
“We are not a million miles away but it is seven weeks this coming Saturday. Luckily, Callum Smith is ready to go, John Ryder’s ready to go. You don’t have to sell tickets anymore, but you still want a lot of notice for a fight like that.”
Hearn doesn’t believe Quigley or Lemieux, both Golden Boy fighters, would be approved as an opponent for Alvarez. Ryder? Maybe.
“John Ryder is chomping at the bit, so is Callum, but they are in different positions,” Hearn said. “Callum had the WBA super championship, he is The Ring [Magazine] champion, so he has a lot on the line. … I have seen them put in Lemieux and Quigley. I can’t see in a million years DAZN approving those fights.
“I don’t know Canelo personally but I do get a feeling that he wants to face the champion and I think is he had his choice, he would choose Callum Smith, if money allows it.”
