Boxing fans waited for Canelo Alvarez’s next move with extreme interest.
Finally, they have their answer: Canelo will compete in a Mexico vs. Mexico showdown, but not against expected challenger David Benavidez. Instead, Canelo will face a young star competing in the biggest fight of his career.
Canelo is set to fight Jaime Munguia on May 4, defending his status as undisputed super middleweight champion. The fight will air on Amazon Prime Video and take place in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It will also air on DAZN.
The event will not be hosted by Golden Boy, where Munguia is signed. It will fall under Canelo’s deal with Premier Boxing Champions. Canelo confirmed the fight on social media after ESPN first reported it.
“I’m very proud and excited to be able to make this fight,” said Canelo. “A Mexican versus another Mexican is always a huge fight and it’s been a while since there’s been one like this. It’s great to give an opportunity like this to a fighter that’s earned it like Jaime has. It gives me a lot of joy that two Mexicans will be facing each other in such a big fight for the sport.”
WATCH: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia, live on DAZN
A four-division champion, Canelo turned pro in 2005. He has beaten several of the sport’s best, including Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto and Gennady Golovkin. In less than 11 months, Canelo became the undisputed super middleweight champion, beating Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant. He failed to capture light heavyweight gold a second time in his career, losing to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022. That was his first loss since 2013 against Floyd Mayweather, ending a 16-fight unbeaten streak.
Canelo rebounded by beating Golovkin in a trilogy contest. After undergoing wrist surgery, Canelo returned in May, beating John Ryder to retain his titles. He embarrassed Jermell Charlo in September, and many expected him to face his brother Jermall.
The last time Canelo fought a Mexican
