Avila Perspective, Chap. 176: Munguia, Ballard and Khan

Back to the fire goes Mexico’s Jaime Munguia, but this time against a rather unknown foe whose fight skills are worthy, though yet to be tested against the elite.

Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs) meets D’Mitrius Ballard (21-0-1, 13 KOs) for a regional WBO title on Saturday Feb. 19, at the Plaza Monumental in Tijuana, Mexico. DAZN will stream the Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Promotions fight card.

The last time both put on the gloves took place took place last November at Anaheim, California where Munguia’s skills were severely tested by middleweight stalwart Gabe Rosado. On the same card Ballard fought awkward and resilient Paul Valenzuela who lasted only two rounds against Munguia in 2017, but went the distance against Ballard.

Styles make for different outcomes.

It’s been nearly four years since Munguia crashed the boxing scene when he knocked out Sadam Ali to win the WBO super welterweight world title. He was only 20 years old and as raw as a budding carrot. Over the years he’s faced quality competition and gained needed experience before tangling with the big boys.

“Coming home after winning a world title is a blessing and I am honored to be back in Tijuana,” said Munguia who last fought in his hometown in July 2017.

Ballard offers a style not often seen by Munguia. It’s a style not familiar in Mexico who prefer aggressive and come-forward styles, as opposed to counter-punching defensive modes of attack as Ballard can offer.

Ballard can punch too.

Born and raised in Temple Hills, Maryland, the undefeated Ballard has fought as high as light heavyweight and packs a punch. A majority draw against Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcao convinced Golden Boy Promotions to pick up the option on Ballard and here he is facing Mexico’s wunderkind Munguia.

It’s a big jump for Ballard.

“I want to thank team Munguia for the opportunity to stand up on the stage with him, he is a great fighter thus far. I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Ballard, 28, on Thursday at the press conference in Tijuana.

This is Ballard’s first venture into the world championship level and its Munguia’s last stop before entering elite status where the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Demetrius Andrade and Jermall Charlo reside.

Munguia’s battle against Rosado last November was considered a candidate for Fight of the Year by many boxing publications and also convinced many that the Tijuana fighter can compete with the best. Through the guidance of former Mexican great Erik Morales he’s picked up a few tricks of the trade.

On Saturday, the world will see if Munguia is ready for the elite.

“This fight will be very complicated for both fighters,” said Golden Boy Promotion’s Oscar De La Hoya.

Battle for Britain

Former world champions Amir Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) and Kell Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) clash Saturday afternoon (US time) on Feb. 19, in a super welterweight match set in Manchester, England. It will be shown on pay-per-view in the UK and on ESPN+ in America.

Khan and Brook have been vocal adversaries for years in what could be labeled a British feud. They just don’t like each other.

Both British fighters have shown fearlessness over the years with Khan accepting fights against some of the toughest in the world like Marcos Maidana, Danny Garcia, Zab Judah and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Brook showed no fear when facing Errol Spence Jr. and Gennady Golovkin and despite losses looked competitive while it lasted.

Khan has speed and power while Brook has strength and power. It should be an interesting development.

SoCal Heat

Regis Prograis has been preparing for a return to the prize ring at Santa Monica, Calif. for the past year. The former super lightweight champion last fought on the Jake Paul card in Atlanta last April.

Prograis (26-1, 21 KOs) recently signed with Probellum Promotions and is slated to fight  Tyrone McKenna (22-2-1, 6 KOs) a tall southpaw from Belfast, Northern Ireland on Saturday, March 19, in Dubai. It’s a two-day affair with numerous world title fights and similar competition taking place.

Though strong enough to move up to welterweight, Prograis wants to remain at super lightweight.

“I want to win a world title in this division before moving up,” said Prograis who formerly held the WBA world title before losing to Josh Taylor the recognized undisputed super lightweight world champion. “I’d like a rematch with Josh Taylor too.”

When Prograis and Taylor fought more than two years ago it was a brutal and bloody affair that found it difficult to surmise the actual winner. But judges scored a majority decision in favor of the Scotsman Taylor who would then defeat Jose Carlos Ramirez for the WBC and WBO versions.

Now Prograis joins Probellum who are forming multiple relationships around the world to stage fight cards in places not accustomed to gaining international attention.

Dubai will be the next stop for a two-day fight card that begins on March 18 and ends on March 19 with Prograis as the main event.

Fights to Watch

Fri. Showtime 9 p.m. Jamaine Ortiz (14-0-1) vs Nahir Albright (14-1)

Sat. ESPN+ 10 a.m. Amir Khan (34-5) vs Kell Brook (39-3).

Sat. DAZN 6 p.m. Jaime Munguia (38-0) vs D’Mitrius Ballard (21-0-1).

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