Jamie Munguia looks to impress against John Ryder in Arizona

With an impressive win over former Saul Alvarez opponent John Ryder, undefeated Jaime Munguia could slot himself in for a crack at Canelo before the new year is out.

Munguia, currently slotted in the Top-10 at 168 pounds, will face Ryder on January 27, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, live on the DAZN network.

Munguia, 27, turned pro in 2013 and has been perfect in 44 bouts (44-0, 33 KOs). He won the WBO world super welterweight title in 2018, made 5 title defenses, moved up to middleweight in 2020 where he picked up 4 straight wins over 2 years and now is heading into his 4th bout at super middle over the last couple of years. 

Munguia, now trained by Freddie Roach, after previously training with former world champion Erik Morales, is hoping an impressive win over the tough Ryder can lead to a Canelo matchup. Under the tutelage of Roach, an aggressive offensive-style trainer, and in great shape under the direction of conditioning coach Pedro Garcia, Munguia should certainly be set up for success. He was last seen in the ring seven months ago battling Sergiy Derevyanchenko ago in a Fight of the Year candidate.  

England’s Ryder, (32-6, 18 KOs), will be entering the ring for the first time since going the distance with Alvarez last May in Mexico. While Alvarez won a clear decision, Ryder certainly impressed the Mexican faithful with his heart and tenacity in going the distance after getting dropped in round 5.

In a recent interview, Golden Boy Promotions boss Oscar De La Hoya was excited to see Munguia returning to the ring and is looking forward to what is ahead for the Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico native with a win over Ryder.

“Jaime is learning, he’s growing, he’s maturing. Jaime Munguia is one of these kids that needed these fights under his belt. He needed that experience. And finally, we have him at that position where he can face anybody in the world. Trust me, when he fights Ryder, it’s going to be a special performance. And then we’ll see who we call out.”

While Ryder knows he is the B-side, in a recent interview he expressed that he feels this is a great time to face Munguia.

“He was a great 154-pound fighter”, said Ryder. “He had a short stint at middleweight and now he been between 160 and 168. I think I’m established at this weight and I think this is a good fight”, he said. “He’s tough, he doesn’t know how to lose yet. I have to use all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in the ring”, he continued. “I have to show him there are levels to facing the likes of a Canelo. This is going to be a great fight. I’ll leave it all in the ring”.