By: Sean Crose
“Anyone whose a world champion,” Jaime Munguia advised me late in 2019, “I’d like to face him.” Munguia, who was a couple of days away from going through Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan on the time, was referring to the present crop of middleweight world titlists. Now, closing in on three years later, Munguia has but to face a world title holder. He’s fought six opponents since we spoke, and has efficiently bested all six. Still, the person has but to face a serious identify. O’Sullivan and Gabe Rosado are undoubtedly high quality fighters, however extra was anticipated of Munguia.
Needless to say, critics of the 26 12 months outdated Munguia aren’t happy with the extent of competitors Munguia is about to face Saturday night time in Guadalajara. As Forbes places it, Munguia is “fighting an opponent in Gonzalo Coria that hardly anybody has ever heard of and, presumably, has next to no chance to pull off the upset.” This is most distinctly not the type of assertion Munguia can probably need written about him in a serious publication. Yet pure boxing publications – and their respective journalists – are expressing their displeasure with the present state of Munguia’s profession, as effectively. Suffice to say, the person has good motive to carry out exceptionally this weekend.
At 40-0 there’s little doubt that Munguia has had a formidable profession regardless of how one needs to understand it. All however 8 of his fights have ended throughout the distance. What’s extra, Munguia has been a world titlist, profitable the WBO junior middleweight strap off Sadam Ali in 2018 earlier than efficiently defending the belt a complete of 5 instances towards the likes of Liam Smith and Takeshi Inoue, each fighters of word. Still the Mexican native’s checklist of current opponents have dissatisfied those that have been anticipating to see the facility puncher participating in excessive stage contests at this level.
As for Coria – that is clearly the chance of a lifetime for the unknown fighter. Boasting a file of 21-5, the 25 12 months outdated Argentine isn’t a prime contender, although he’s gained his final three in a row. Should he emerge victorious this night in Mexico, the person would certainly turn into the speak of the combat world, having given the boxing public the upset of the 12 months. Defeating Munguia will likely be a tall order, nevertheless, particularly for somebody who has by no means confronted such a stage of competitors earlier than. Still, boxing being boxing, one by no means does know.
