David Benavidez believes Jaime Munguia has the style to defeat undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez next week on May 4th in their fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Benavidez says Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) has to throw combinations and then escape to the outside to keep from getting hit back by Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs). He feels that Munguia shouldn’t fight Canelo on the inside because that’s where he thrives.
Munguia’s Potential Downfalls
The two problems that Munguia has that could keep him from winning the fight are these:
- Poor defense: Munguia has always been easy to hit, but despite having good coaches, his defense hasn’t improved. His poor opposition has slowed his progress towards fixing it.
- Inexperience: Munguia’s opposition as a pro has been terrible. The best guys he’s fought are John Ryder, 35, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, 38, and Liam Smith.
“I think so,” David Benavidez told the Sean Zittel YouTube channel when asked if Jaime Munguia could beat Canelo Alvarez next week on May 4th.
“I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight. Munguia is a strong fighter, he’s a combination puncher, and if you see the fighters that give Canelo problems. They’re combination punchers.”
None of Canelo’s fights are easy, so it won’t be a surprise if this one is a difficult one. Munguia lacks in too many departments for him to pull off the upset in this fight.
Benavidez’s Qualified Prediction
“The only thing Munguia has to do is keep his distance. He can’t be on the inside against Canelo because that’s what Canelo thrives at. He loves throwing body shots. He will find you. So, he has to keep his distance, punch in combinations, and get away,” Benavidez said about Munguia.
“If he doesn’t have to be there then don’t be there and receive unnecessary punishment. I’ve been watching Canelo for a long time. I’ve got a good game plan for him. If Munguia is able to do that, it’s going to be a tough fight.
“Munguia can crack too. You could see that when he fought John Ryder. His power punching. It’s going to be interesting. I don’t think it’s going to be easy like people say it is. Munguia is a tough fighter.
“He does get hit a lot, but sometimes in boxing, it’s inevitable. You’re going to get hit,” said Benavidez about Munguia.
