Tag: John Ryder

Weekend Review: Jaime Munguia has earned place among top 168-pounders

Weekend Review: Jaime Munguia has earned his place among the top 168-pounders in the world.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Jaime Munguia

Let’s be clear: David Benavidez – not Jaime Munguia – deserves the first crack at undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez. Some believe Benavidez, a dominating all-around fighter, has surpassed the Mexican superstar as the top super middleweight. That being said, Munguia is building a case that he’s No. 2 and also deserving of a significant opportunity. Alvarez’s 27-year-old countryman delivered the strongest performance of his career on Saturday in Phoenix, dropping rugged veteran John Ryder four times before stopping him in the ninth round. The accomplishment was particularly impressive given that Ryder went the distance with Alvarez in his previous fight. Could Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) beat the champion? Probably not. It’s one thing to defeat Sergey Derevyanchenko (in his previous fight) and Ryder, good, but limited fighters. It would be another to take down Alvarez, who remains near the top of many pound-for-pound lists (No. 6 on Boxing Junkie’s). Munguia has improved as a boxer and evidently has carried his punching power to 168 but he’s no Dmitry Bivol, whose sublime skill and natural size advantage proved to be too much for Alvarez. I don’t think Munguia has technical ability to win that fight. He has earned the opportunity to prove me wrong, though.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Only Alvarez and those close to him know what direction he’s leaning for his next fight, presumably in May. Many believe the champion will defend his titles against unbeaten 160-pound titleholder and fellow PBC fighter Jermall Charlo in May. That means Munguia would have to wait until September at the earliest to receive his golden opportunity. He could wait until the fall to fight again – hoping he gets the Alvarez fight – or try to maintain his momentum by fighting again this spring. Potential opponents? Munguia vs. Benavidez would be special but a particularly dangerous option for Munguia. Caleb Plant would be an interesting test for him. And brawler Christian Mbilli has emerged as a player at 168. A victory over any of the above would make Munguia an even more attractive opponent for Alvarez. Stay tuned. …

Ryder could be finished. The Londoner made a splash by pushing Callum Smith to his limits in a disputed loss and then outpointing Daniel Jacobs. However, he has now suffered back-to-back one-sided losses, to Alvarez and Munguia. And he’s 35 years old. If he retires, Ryder will be remembered as a tough, courageous warrior who left everything he had in the ring. That’s a solid legacy. … Strawweight champion Oscar Collazo could be the next Puerto Rican star. The resident of New Jersey gave a breathtaking performance on the Munguia-Ryder card, beating up Reyneris Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) before knocking him out in three rounds. Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) appears to have an unusual combination of skill and punching power. I can’t wait to see him against next-level opposition.

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Weekend Review: Jaime Munguia has earned place among top 168-pounders

Weekend Review: Jaime Munguia has earned his place among the top 168-pounders in the world.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Jaime Munguia

Let’s be clear: David Benavidez – not Jaime Munguia – deserves the first crack at undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez. Some believe Benavidez, a dominating all-around fighter, has surpassed the Mexican superstar as the top super middleweight. That being said, Munguia is building a case that he’s No. 2 and also deserving of a significant opportunity. Alvarez’s 27-year-old countryman delivered the strongest performance of his career on Saturday in Phoenix, dropping rugged veteran John Ryder four times before stopping him in the ninth round. The accomplishment was particularly impressive given that Ryder went the distance with Alvarez in his previous fight. Could Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) beat the champion? Probably not. It’s one thing to defeat Sergey Derevyanchenko (in his previous fight) and Ryder, good, but limited fighters. It would be another to take down Alvarez, who remains near the top of many pound-for-pound lists (No. 6 on Boxing Junkie’s). Munguia has improved as a boxer and evidently has carried his punching power to 168 but he’s no Dmitry Bivol, whose sublime skill and natural size advantage proved to be too much for Alvarez. I don’t think Munguia has technical ability to win that fight. He has earned the opportunity to prove me wrong, though.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Only Alvarez and those close to him know what direction he’s leaning for his next fight, presumably in May. Many believe the champion will defend his titles against unbeaten 160-pound titleholder and fellow PBC fighter Jermall Charlo in May. That means Munguia would have to wait until September at the earliest to receive his golden opportunity. He could wait until the fall to fight again – hoping he gets the Alvarez fight – or try to maintain his momentum by fighting again this spring. Potential opponents? Munguia vs. Benavidez would be special but a particularly dangerous option for Munguia. Caleb Plant would be an interesting test for him. And brawler Christian Mbilli has emerged as a player at 168. A victory over any of the above would make Munguia an even more attractive opponent for Alvarez. Stay tuned. …

Ryder could be finished. The Londoner made a splash by pushing Callum Smith to his limits in a disputed loss and then outpointing Daniel Jacobs. However, he has now suffered back-to-back one-sided losses, to Alvarez and Munguia. And he’s 35 years old. If he retires, Ryder will be remembered as a tough, courageous warrior who left everything he had in the ring. That’s a solid legacy. … Strawweight champion Oscar Collazo could be the next Puerto Rican star. The resident of New Jersey gave a breathtaking performance on the Munguia-Ryder card, beating up Reyneris Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) before knocking him out in three rounds. Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) appears to have an unusual combination of skill and punching power. I can’t wait to see him against next-level opposition.

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Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s brutal ninth-round knockout of John Ryder

Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s brutal ninth-round knockout of John Ryder on Saturday in Phoenix.

Jaime Munguia on Saturday did something that superstar Canelo Alvarez couldn’t, knocking out John Ryder in the ninth round of a 168-pound bout.

Munguia put the durable Londoner down four times before finally finishing the job, making the case that he deserves a shot Alvarez, the undisputed champion.

Here’s a look at the brutal ending.

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Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s brutal ninth-round knockout of John Ryder

Watch it: Jaime Munguia’s brutal ninth-round knockout of John Ryder on Saturday in Phoenix.

Jaime Munguia on Saturday did something that superstar Canelo Alvarez couldn’t, knocking out John Ryder in the ninth round of a 168-pound bout.

Munguia put the durable Londoner down four times before finally finishing the job, making the case that he deserves a shot Alvarez, the undisputed champion.

Here’s a look at the brutal ending.

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Photos: Jaime Munguia’s four-knockdown, ninth-round KO of John Ryder

Photos: Jaime Munguia’s four-knockdown, ninth-round KO of John Ryder on Saturday in Phoenix.

Super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia dropped John Ryder four times before finally stopping him in the ninth round Saturday at Footprint Center in  Phoenix, only the second time the durable Londoner has been knocked out.

Here are images from the fight. All photos by Christian Petersen of Getty Images.

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Jaime Munguia makes strong statement with knockout of John Ryder

Jaime Munguia made a strong statement by dropping John Ryder four times and stopping him in the ninth round Saturday in Phoenix.

Jaime Munguia turned a trick that Canelo Alvarez couldn’t. He hopes it was enough to get the Mexican superstar into the ring.

The 168-pound contender dropped John Ryder four times before finally stopping him in the ninth round Saturday night at Footprint Center in Phoenix, only the second time the durable Londoner has been stopped.

Alvarez, the undisputed champion, was unable to KO Ryder — winning a clear decision — when they fought last May.

“I’m very happy,” Munguia said through a translator after his second fight at 168. “I got ready for this. I worked really, really hard for this. I know a lot of people didn’t believe in me.

“This is the result of hard work. We’re ready for 168.”

Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) now has back-to-back victories over rugged, experienced opponents, having narrowly outpointed Sergey Dereyanchenko in June.

However, he was better against Ryder. He was more measured, more patient, and his punches did more damage.

Indeed, Munguia’s power was the difference in an entertaining fight that went back-and-forth at times. The 27-year-old Mexican put the normally sturdy Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs) down in the second and fourth rounds and twice in ninth.

However, it was a big overhand right in the opening seconds of the final round that was the beginning of the end, as the punch resulted in the third knockdown and hurt Ryder badly.

Ryder, under a brutal assault, went down again moments later from another right hand and another barrage from Munguia followed. That prompted Ryder’s cornermen to throw in the towel, giving Munguia arguably his most impressive victory.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:25 of Round 9.

The winner was pleased that he fought with more control against Ryder than he did against Derevyanchenko.

“You are correct,” Munguia said when asked about his pace. “The last time I was throwing punches like crazy. This time my timing was better, my timing was perfect. Ryder was a great fighter. We’re ready to keep on going.”

Munguia has indicated that he hopes to challenge Alvarez next, going as far to say that the champion’s handlers have reached out to him. Alvarez is expected to defend his belts in May.

Could Alvarez be next? Munguia was as measured with his comments as he was in the fight on Saturday.

“We don’t know yet,” he said. “Nothing is on the table yet. We want the best of the best at 168. We’re going to be world champion.”

Munguia was then asked whether he feels he earned a shot at Alvarez with his performance. Again, he didn’t want to say much.

“It’ll be a great fight among Mexicans,” he said. “And if Canelo gives us the chance, it will be an honor to be in the ring with him.”

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Jaime Munguia makes strong statement with knockout of John Ryder

Jaime Munguia made a strong statement by dropping John Ryder four times and stopping him in the ninth round Saturday in Phoenix.

Jaime Munguia turned a trick that Canelo Alvarez couldn’t. He hopes it was enough to get the Mexican superstar into the ring.

The 168-pound contender dropped John Ryder four times before finally stopping him in the ninth round Saturday night at Footprint Center in Phoenix, only the second time the durable Londoner has been stopped.

Alvarez, the undisputed champion, was unable to KO Ryder — winning a clear decision — when they fought last May.

“I’m very happy,” Munguia said through a translator after his second fight at 168. “I got ready for this. I worked really, really hard for this. I know a lot of people didn’t believe in me.

“This is the result of hard work. We’re ready for 168.”

Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) now has back-to-back victories over rugged, experienced opponents, having narrowly outpointed Sergey Dereyanchenko in June.

However, he was better against Ryder. He was more measured, more patient, and his punches did more damage.

Indeed, Munguia’s power was the difference in an entertaining fight that went back-and-forth at times. The 27-year-old Mexican put the normally sturdy Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs) down in the second and fourth rounds and twice in ninth.

However, it was a big overhand right in the opening seconds of the final round that was the beginning of the end, as the punch resulted in the third knockdown and hurt Ryder badly.

Ryder, under a brutal assault, went down again moments later from another right hand and another barrage from Munguia followed. That prompted Ryder’s cornermen to throw in the towel, giving Munguia arguably his most impressive victory.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:25 of Round 9.

The winner was pleased that he fought with more control against Ryder than he did against Derevyanchenko.

“You are correct,” Munguia said when asked about his pace. “The last time I was throwing punches like crazy. This time my timing was better, my timing was perfect. Ryder was a great fighter. We’re ready to keep on going.”

Munguia has indicated that he hopes to challenge Alvarez next, going as far to say that the champion’s handlers have reached out to him. Alvarez is expected to defend his belts in May.

Could Alvarez be next? Munguia was as measured with his comments as he was in the fight on Saturday.

“We don’t know yet,” he said. “Nothing is on the table yet. We want the best of the best at 168. We’re going to be world champion.”

Munguia was then asked whether he feels he earned a shot at Alvarez with his performance. Again, he didn’t want to say much.

“It’ll be a great fight among Mexicans,” he said. “And if Canelo gives us the chance, it will be an honor to be in the ring with him.”

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Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder: LIVE updates, results, full coverage

Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.

Super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia dropped John Ryder four times before finally stopping him in the ninth round, only the second time the durable Londoner has been stopped.

Undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez was unable to stop Ryder, who lost a clear decision to the Mexican superstar last May.

The power of Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) was the difference in the fight. The 27-year-old Mexican put Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs) down in the second and fourth rounds and twice in ninth.

However, it was a big overhand right in the opening seconds of the final round that was the beginning of the end, as the punch resulted in the third knockdown and hurt him badly.

Ryder, under a brutal assault, went down again moments later from another right hand and another barrage from Munguia followed. That prompted Ryder’s cornermen to throw in the towel, giving Munguia arguably his most impressive victory.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:25 of Round 9.

Munguia has said that he hopes to challenge Alvarez next. The champion is expected to defend his belts in May.

You can read a full report here.

***

Strawweight Oscar Collazo knocked out Reyneris Gutierrez at 2:37 of the third round to retain his WBO title.

Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) stalked Gutierrez from the opening bell but the fight was competitive for two-plus rounds. Then the Puerto Rican changed the fight with one punch.

A right hook hurt Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) and Collazo followed with a vicious flurry that sent the Nicaraguan to the canvas. Gutierrez was able to get to this feet but took another serious of hard shots, which prompted the referee to stop the fight.

Collazo has stopped his last four opponents, all coming against contenders. The resident of New Jersey now wants to unify 105-pound titles.

***

Super middleweight prospect Darius Fulghum (10-0, 9 KOs) defeated veteran Alantez Fox, his toughest opponent to date, by a split decision in a 10-round bout.

Fox (28-6-1, 13 KOs) became the first opponent to take the hard-punching Texan the distance but was outworked from the second round on, making it a one-sided fight.

Judge Javier Camacho somehow scored it 95-95 but he was overruled by the other two judges, 100-90 and 98-92.

***

Gabriela Fundora stopped Christina Cruz at 59 seconds of the 10th and final round to retain her 112-pound title.

The first half of the fight was roughly even but Fundora (13-0, 6 KOs) landed more and more power shots to the head of Cruz (6-1, 0 KOs) as the fight progressed.

The ending was strange and controversial. Fundora landed a right to the side of Cruz’s head, which spun her 180 degrees. With her back to her opponent, she covered up as Fundora continued to punch her.

At that moment referee Chris Flores jumped in and stopped the fight, which surprised Cruz.

Fundora, the sister of 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora, was making the first defense of the IBF belt she won by knocking out Arely Mucino in five rounds in October.

***

Junior featherweight contender David Picasso (27-0-1, 15 KOs) outboxed Erik Ruiz (17-10-1, 7 KOs) to win a one-sided decision in a 10-round bout.

The official scores were 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.

***

Unbeaten 168-pound contender Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) is scheduled to fight veteran John Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) tonight (Saturday, Jan. 27) at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The event will be streamed on DAZN.

The featured portion of the show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. (main event later in the show).

Also on the card, IBF 112-pound titleholder Gabriela Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) will make the first defense of her belt against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs).

Boxing Junkie will post results, as well as a brief summary, immediately after the featured fights end. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.

Full coverage – detailed fight stories, analysis and more – will follow on separate posts the night of the card and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

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Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder: LIVE updates, results, full coverage

Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.

Super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia dropped John Ryder four times before finally stopping him in the ninth round, only the second time the durable Londoner has been stopped.

Undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez was unable to stop Ryder, who lost a clear decision to the Mexican superstar last May.

The power of Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) was the difference in the fight. The 27-year-old Mexican put Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs) down in the second and fourth rounds and twice in ninth.

However, it was a big overhand right in the opening seconds of the final round that was the beginning of the end, as the punch resulted in the third knockdown and hurt him badly.

Ryder, under a brutal assault, went down again moments later from another right hand and another barrage from Munguia followed. That prompted Ryder’s cornermen to throw in the towel, giving Munguia arguably his most impressive victory.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:25 of Round 9.

Munguia has said that he hopes to challenge Alvarez next. The champion is expected to defend his belts in May.

You can read a full report here.

***

Strawweight Oscar Collazo knocked out Reyneris Gutierrez at 2:37 of the third round to retain his WBO title.

Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) stalked Gutierrez from the opening bell but the fight was competitive for two-plus rounds. Then the Puerto Rican changed the fight with one punch.

A right hook hurt Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) and Collazo followed with a vicious flurry that sent the Nicaraguan to the canvas. Gutierrez was able to get to this feet but took another serious of hard shots, which prompted the referee to stop the fight.

Collazo has stopped his last four opponents, all coming against contenders. The resident of New Jersey now wants to unify 105-pound titles.

***

Super middleweight prospect Darius Fulghum (10-0, 9 KOs) defeated veteran Alantez Fox, his toughest opponent to date, by a split decision in a 10-round bout.

Fox (28-6-1, 13 KOs) became the first opponent to take the hard-punching Texan the distance but was outworked from the second round on, making it a one-sided fight.

Judge Javier Camacho somehow scored it 95-95 but he was overruled by the other two judges, 100-90 and 98-92.

***

Gabriela Fundora stopped Christina Cruz at 59 seconds of the 10th and final round to retain her 112-pound title.

The first half of the fight was roughly even but Fundora (13-0, 6 KOs) landed more and more power shots to the head of Cruz (6-1, 0 KOs) as the fight progressed.

The ending was strange and controversial. Fundora landed a right to the side of Cruz’s head, which spun her 180 degrees. With her back to her opponent, she covered up as Fundora continued to punch her.

At that moment referee Chris Flores jumped in and stopped the fight, which surprised Cruz.

Fundora, the sister of 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora, was making the first defense of the IBF belt she won by knocking out Arely Mucino in five rounds in October.

***

Junior featherweight contender David Picasso (27-0-1, 15 KOs) outboxed Erik Ruiz (17-10-1, 7 KOs) to win a one-sided decision in a 10-round bout.

The official scores were 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.

***

Unbeaten 168-pound contender Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) is scheduled to fight veteran John Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) tonight (Saturday, Jan. 27) at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The event will be streamed on DAZN.

The featured portion of the show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. (main event later in the show).

Also on the card, IBF 112-pound titleholder Gabriela Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) will make the first defense of her belt against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs).

Boxing Junkie will post results, as well as a brief summary, immediately after the featured fights end. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.

Full coverage – detailed fight stories, analysis and more – will follow on separate posts the night of the card and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

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Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder: Date, time, how to watch, background

Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder: Date, time, how to watch, background.

Super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will face another tough test when he takes on veteran John Ryder on Saturday in Phoenix.

JAIME MUNGUIA (42-0, 33 KOs)
VS. JOHN RYDER (32-6, 18 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 27
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Super middleweight (168 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Odds: Munguia 3-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Gabriela Fundora vs. Christina Cruz, flyweights (for Fundora’s IBF title); Alan Picasso Romero vs. Erik Ruiz, junior featherweights
  • Prediction: Munguia UD
  • Background: Munguia has set his sights on undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but must overcome a second consecutive legitimate threat first. The 27-year-old Mexican, a former 154-pound beltholder, had to dig deep to pull out a unanimous, but close decision over skillful veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko in his debut as a full-fledged 168-pounder last June. He put Derevyanchenko down with a body shot in Round 12 to clinch the decision. Munguia has described the victory as the most important of his decade-long career. Next up for him is Ryder, a rugged, experienced southpaw from London who has failed in two bids to win a major title. He lost a disputed decision to then super middleweight champ Callum Smith in 2019, which enhanced Ryder’s reputation, and he gave a gutty performance in a unanimous-decision setback against Alvarez last May. He also outpointed Daniel Jacobs between those title fights, his most impressive victory. Also on the card Saturday, IBF 112-pound titleholder Gabriela Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) will make the first defense of her belt against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs).

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

  • Erik Bazinyan vs. Billi Facundo Godoy, super middleweights, Montreal (ESPN+)

SATURDAY

  • Lewis Crocker vs. Jose Felix, welterweights, Belfast, Northern Ireland (DAZN)
  • Omar Trinidad vs. Jose Perez, featherweights, Commerce, California (UFC Fight Pass)

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