Boxing Result

Canelo Alvarez Defends Undisputed Super Middleweight Title With Thrilling Decision Victory over Jaime Munguia

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Saul Alvarez

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Jaime Munguia

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Fight Details

Fight

Saul Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia

Title

Undisputed Super-middleweight Title

Date

Saturday May 4th, 2024

Venue

T-Mobile Arena
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Promoter

TGB Promotions

TV Coverage

Amazon Prime PPV

Fight Result

In a highly anticipated Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez once again showcased his dominance in the super middleweight division, retaining his undisputed title with a unanimous decision victory over fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia. The judges scored the fight 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112 in favour of Alvarez, who put on a masterful display of boxing skill and power throughout the 12-round contest.

The 33-year-old Alvarez, widely regarded as the sport's biggest star, entered the ring with a point to prove following a string of fights that had gone the distance. Some suggested that he might be on the decline, but the champion quickly dispelled any such notions, taking control of the fight from the opening bell and never letting up.

Munguia, a 27-year-old rising star recently impressed with a stoppage victory over John Ryder, the man who had frustrated Alvarez over 12 rounds in May 2023, came into the fight with a newfound sense of discipline instilled by his trainer, the legendary Freddie Roach. The typically aggressive Munguia displayed a more polished and cautious approach, attempting to outwork Alvarez and cut off the ring effectively.

Despite Munguia's best efforts, Alvarez's superior skill and experience quickly became evident. The champion targeted Munguia's body early on, landing crisp combinations and punishing his opponent with hurtful shots to the midsection. To his credit, Munguia showed remarkable resilience and continued to press forward, even managing to snap Alvarez's head back with a well-timed right hand in the third round, igniting the passion of the predominantly Mexican crowd.

The turning point of the fight came in the fourth round when Alvarez, having repeatedly tested Munguia's chin, landed a perfectly timed right uppercut that sent the challenger crashing to the canvas for the first time. Visibly shaken, Munguia managed to beat the count and survive the round, but the knockdown clearly indicated Alvarez's power and precision.

As the fight progressed, Alvarez continued to assert his dominance, targeting Munguia's head with a barrage of accurate punches. The champion's experience and ring generalship were on full display as he expertly controlled the distance and tempo of the fight, picking his shots and exploiting Munguia's defensive vulnerabilities.

Despite being hurt on several occasions, Munguia refused to wilt under the pressure and fought with admirable determination. His work rate and heart earned him the crowd's and his opponent's respect but ultimately proved insufficient to overcome Alvarez's superior skill set.

In the later rounds, Alvarez's punches began to take a visible toll on Munguia, who appeared tired and less technically sound. The champion seized the opportunity to land more punishing blows, including a series of right uppercuts that rocked Munguia in the eleventh and twelfth rounds.

As the final bell rang, there was little doubt that Alvarez had done more than enough to secure the victory. The judges' scorecards confirmed his dominance, with all three officials scoring the fight comfortably.

While the victory may not have been the knockout that Alvarez had hoped for, it serves as a reminder of his enduring brilliance and status as one of the sport's pound-for-pound best. For Munguia, the loss is not a setback; his courageous performance and ability to go the distance with the world's top super middleweight have undoubtedly enhanced his reputation and set the stage for future high-profile opportunities.

What Happened After

Saul Alvarez - Subsequent Fights

Jaime Munguia - Subsequent Fights

Fighter History

Saul Alvarez - Recent Fights

Jaime Munguia - Recent Fights