All-Out War Promised for Canelo vs Munguia

The upcoming clash between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez of Guadalajara, Mexico (60-2-2, 39 KOs) and Jaime Munguía of Tijuana, Mexico (43-0, 34 KOs) on May 4 – Cinco De Mayo weekend – is more than just a boxing match. It is a celebration.

A celebration of spirit, a celebration of excellence, and, most importantly, a celebration of Mexico. The celebratory vibe was in full effect at the Beverly Hills Hotel for the press conference supporting this four-belt unified, undisputed super middleweight championship.

The Canelo vs Munguia press conference got the full Beverly Hills red carpet treatment. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

The atmosphere at the presser was more akin to a party or a concert than a dutiful gathering of the press. Most press conferences, to the best of my knowledge, are not preceded by a full set from a 10-piece mariachi band.

The celebration theme was frequently touched on by the participants on the panel, led by the always classy ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.

Canelo Álvarez: “It's All About Mexico”

Canelo Alvarez was gracious toward his upcoming opponent Jaime Munguia but promised a Mexican-style fight. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

Álvarez said, “This fight is a great source of pride for me because it’s all about Mexico. I’m proud to have my country featured this way in front of the whole world. The fans are going to be the biggest winners on May 4, and we invite everyone to what’s gonna be a big party for Mexico.”

Álvarez also addressed his decision to fight Munguía despite his past claims of not wishing to fight fellow Mexican fighters. Alvarez declared he was fighting Munguía because he “earned it.”

“Jaime Munguía is a respectful person and a great fighter who’s earned this fight again and again. Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4.”

The respect between Álvarez and Munguía was evident and on full display. Even when the cameras were no longer on them, they were both endearingly gracious to each other.

“The respect between us is mutual,” explained Munguía. “We want to be a source of pride not just for Mexicans in Mexico but those all around the world who are expecting a great fight. It’s going to be a great Mexican party and I promise a great fight that fans are going to love.”

Jaime Munguía: “I'm Very Thankful To Canelo”

There was little doubt Tuesday which fighter is considered the A-side on May 4. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

Both fighters also had large cheering sections at the Beverly Hills Hotel, shouting and hollering their fighters’ names. The Canelo and Munguía cheering sections egged each other on and attempted to outdo the other, but despite the bravado, the tone was all good-humored. There was no tension in the room. Intensity (lots of it!), but not tension.

Munguía said, “I’m very thankful to Canelo and everyone who made this fight happen and brought us to this special day. We’ve been working really, really hard for this fight because it’s going to be such a big fight for Mexico.

“Canelo has always been a source of pride and motivation for me. I used to say when I was coming up in the sport that I want to be like him, and now we get a chance to face him and hopefully be where he is soon.”

Reynoso Promises ‘All-Out War'

Eddy Reynoso made the game plan for May 4 clear at Tuesday's presser: Guerra. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

Despite how respectful and gracious Álvarez and Munguía were in the room, there will be nothing gracious about the punches they throw at each other on May 4. Álvarez’s manager and trainer, Eddy Reynoso, said, “Any time that two Mexican fighters face each other, you know it’s going to be an all-out war. Even more so in this fight because it’s the first time two Mexican fighters will go at it for all four belts.

“We’re going to prove to the world that Mexican boxing is the best in the world. We’re going to work really hard to be sharp on May 4, and we invite everyone to witness a great fight. The fans are going to be the real winners.”

Jaime Munguía said, “I’m very thankful to Canelo and everyone who made this fight happen.” Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

Munguía said of his trainer, Freddie Roach, “Not only is Freddie Roach a great trainer, but he’s a great person, and he’s a motivator. He’s always motivating us to keep going forward and keep training hard.

“We’re ready for this stage. We’re ready for everything, and we’re going to have a great fight that night. We’re very confident.”

Roach’s comments at the podium were characteristically short and sweet: “It doesn’t get any bigger than this. These are two of the best fighters in the world, and I’m in charge of getting one of them ready. Jaime has a tremendous work ethic, and we’re going to be prepared to do anything we can to take the titles.”

Golden Boy On Best Behavior

There was no visible animosity between Canelo Álvarez and his former promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

A possible point of contention occurred when Oscar De La Hoya stood next to Álvarez as he spoke at the podium. Álvarez famously fell out with De La Hoya and left Golden Boy Promotions as a result.

However, Álvarez and De La Hoya were on best behavior with each other. They had an air similar to two divorced parents who hate one another but are forced to come together in the principal's office because their child got in a fight at school.

“With two Mexican fighters at this elite level, we’re in for a special treat,” said De La Hoya. “What makes me most proud is that the world will truly be watching. We can’t wait to see everyone there on May 4.”

Perhaps De La Hoya's cheerful demeanor was more about spending a few minutes not having to answer for Ryan Garcia's increasingly erratic actions.

Canelo Fires A Shot at Charlo

Canelo Álvarez reserved his only harsh comments for his previous opponent, Jermell Charlo. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions

Despite the jovial atmosphere, the joy rests on the certainty that Canelo vs Munguia will be a gold medal fight. “Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits hard. He’s a power puncher and I like a challenge. I want to face fighters who are hungry like I am. He’s a fighter who can give the fans the show they deserve,” said Álvarez.

This comment likely refers to Jermell Charlo of Richmond, Texas (35-2-1, 19 KOs), who phoned in a preposterously elusive performance against Álvarez on September 30 just to grab a paycheck, Munguia’s style is tailor-made for Canelo, a natural counterpuncher.

“I’m really proud of how amazing fight week is going to be,” Álvarez concluded. The fans will be showing their pride everywhere. I can’t wait to show the world what kind of party Mexicans can throw inside and outside of the ring.”

If the atmosphere of the fight is anything like the atmosphere at this press conference, there will be no shortage of fireworks both inside and outside the ring.

Canelo vs Munguia Quick Hits

NY Fights writer Beowulf Jones joined former junior middleweight world champion and commentator Sergio Mora and boxing writer/podcaster/broadcaster Chris Mannix at Tuesday's Canelo vs Munguia presser. Photo: Courtesy Beowulf Jones

*Jimmy Lennon Jr. sat across from me at the buffet table and was just chatting to whomever. The man is delightful! I understand now why everyone refers to him as “always classy.” Jimmy’s a cool dude. I get the hype now.

*Speaking of lunch: The buffet was authentic Mexican. None of the Taco Bell Americanized versions of Mexican cuisine; such as there was no cheese for the tacos. The rest of the ingredients were so good, though; I didn't miss the cheese.

*To the very nice woman who was confused why NY Fights would cover a fight outside New York: you know how The New York Times often covers news outside of New York City? I’ll let you work the rest out for yourself.