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GBP President on Why Canelo Should ‘Look For The Upset’ Against Munguia

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Joshua Ben Joseph | Last updated 5/1/24

Barely days remain for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s (60-2-2, 39 KOs) well-anticipated Cinco de Mayo showdown against Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs). As the wraps get tighter and the gloves gear closer, there is just one question in the minds of boxing aficionados, will there be a new undisputed super-middleweight champion? In fact, Golden Boy president Eric Gomez has a lot of confidence in their fighter, so much so that he claims that Alvarez should prepare himself for an “upset.”

The recent media workout saw Munguia arrive in an impressive battle-ready physique. Moreover, there is no denying that he also has the skills to back it up. “He is in tip-top shape. Look for the upset. We feel very strongly that he is going to upset Canelo.” Gomez said in an interview with BoxingScene.

A major factor that comes into play at the moment is that Munguia is under the tutelage of Freddie Roach. And Roach is undoubtedly well aware of Alvarez’s style, having previously trained Miguel Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs) to face him. Additionally, age is another major factor in this fight. Alvarez, albeit more experienced, has gone through far more punishment inside the ring than the far younger Munguia.

However, Gomez added that this does not mean they would take Alvarez lightly and mentioned that it would be a complex fight for both fighters. “Canelo is still the king of boxing. Munguia’s going to leave it all in the ring,” he said.

“Canelo is different”

With the fight date fast approaching, it sure looks like these factors have little to no effect on Alvarez. Talking at the recent Grand Arrivals, Alvarez even predicted how he’d fare against Munguia.

“I’m looking to leave my mark and put my country up high. Munguia deserves respect. It’s going to be a great fight, but I don’t care if he is younger, older because in the end, Canelo is different,” he said.

Alvarez also mentioned that regardless of the outcome, the fight is a significant one for his country, as it’s the first time that two Mexicans are fighting for all four belts. However, this did not stop him from shocking everyone with a prediction.

“I think that I am going to win by knockout before the eighth round,” he said.

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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