Jaime Munguia Hopes for Another Fight of the Year Performance

Last June, Jaime Munguia triumphed sensationally over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in what many knowledgeable observers (including TSS) voted as the Fight of the Year for 2023. Heading into Saturday night’s main event versus John Ryder at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine Munguia turning the trick again.

Whatever result might lay ahead in the desert, 27-year-old Munguia, 42-0 (33 KOs), and 35-year-old Ryder, 32-6 (18 KOs) are going to generate plenty of first-rate action. While it should be interesting to see how Munguia adjusts to whatever southpaw tactics Ryder employs, it shouldn’t take more than a few rounds for Munguia to force the action into the toe-to-toe zone.

“I wanted a big challenge and John Ryder is a big challenge,” said a cheerful Munguia at the final pre-fight press conference. “I know he’s been in a lot of tough, close fights against some of the best boxers in the world but I’m very confident.”

Odds at press time were approximately three to one in Munguia’s favor and multiple fans will probably be seen laying down some cash on the popular Mexican visitor at the large sports betting hall that was recently added to the fight arena site that is home to the Suns basketball team.

That’s not to say Ryder is the worst underdog you might back. In terms of his previous quality of opponents he’s a very live dog, as his gritty decision loss to Canelo Alvarez last May proved. One of the most prominent questions has become whether or not Munguia might be able to score the knockout that Canelo couldn’t. Therein lies much of the marketing, as a dominant performance by Munguia has been repeatedly mentioned as a big money ticket near the front of the line of Canelo’s future opponents.

Ryder projected a very stern and focused countenance throughout the media proceedings.

“Munguia obviously wants to use me as a stepping stone, but I have other plans. If they take me for granted it’s a mistake and their misfortune,” said Ryder very calmly. “This is a fight I’ve needed since the Canelo defeat, and when it was offered we accepted immediately. I need this to continue operating at the same (high) level I was at before and to push me forward.”

This will be Munguia’s first appearance with his relatively new trainer, veteran Freddie Roach, who joined the team last fall as a replacement for longtime corner man Erik Morales, another champion from Munguia’s hometown of Tijuana. Such changes aren’t always immediately smooth but each man looks totally optimistic about their progress together.

“I was surprised about how inaccurate some reports about his ability and his defense were,” said Roach. “Believe me, he’s very quick and very strong, and he’s got a great offense which helps any defense. He hasn’t taken a day off since we started training. We know we’re in for a tough fight but I know we’re ready.”

Both men looked confident and respectful, with no apparent animosity. This is going to be a very hard-fought match between two totally solid pros. The vibe from Phoenix says bet Munguia, within the distance.

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