Canelo Warns Munguia After Fan Calls Out Alvarez For Ducking Benavidez- ‘KO Before The Eighth, I Don’t Care’

Canelo Alvarez expects to knock out Jaime Munguia on May 4. 

The Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion faces the undefeated Mexican with plenty of criticism. Canelo has been accused of ducking David Benavidez by taking this fight. The Mexican Monster has been calling for Alvarez since he is the WBC mandatory, a positon he has had for over two years. Canelo’s last fight was a win against Jermell Charlo. That failed to show Alvarez’s true form since he was fighting a 154-pounder moving up two weight classes.

However, Canelo boldly claimed no one would beat that version of him even though he failed to stop Charlo. This was despite dropping the American. Munguia is a KO artist with 34 stoppage wins in his 43 victories. He is also working with Freddie Roach for this fight, their second bout together, as the American is known for being an offensive coach. That will see Munguia fight on the front foot, playing into Canelo’s hands, who will look to counterpunch. Alvarez expects to stop Munguia within eight rounds. 

Canelo On KO

“Winning by knockout is always wonderful, right? So I think I’m going to win by knockout before the eighth round. I don’t care if Munguia is younger; older. I don’t care, because Canelo in the end is different. It’s a very significant fight. It’s going to be an historic one. [And] it’s two Mexicans fighting for all four belts for the first time. That’s what I’m looking for always. To leave my mark, and to put my country up high. I’m really happy to be here. Thank you to all the fans here. I’m looking forward to what’s going to be an outstanding week with you all. I thank you for it, and I’m really excited to be here,” Canelo said 

The form book suggests otherwise. Alvarez has not stopped anyone since beating Caleb Plant in 2021. That secured him his third stoppage in a row after beating Billy Joe Saunders and Avni Yildirim. Munguia, however, has knocked out four of his last five opponents. His previous bout was a stoppage win over John Ryder. Munguia dropped Ryder four times before stopping the Brit in round nine. Ryder then retired from the sport, showing how much punishment he had taken.

Backlash

Since Canelo failed to stop Ryder, there are doubts about whether he can do that to Munguia. Munguia also appears to have received more support. During their kick-off presser, the crowd were more vocal in their support for him over Canelo. At the Grand Media Arrivals, a fan called out Canelo for ducking Benavidez by holding a sign up to support the Mexican Monster. That left Alvarez feeling irritated.