A new chapter will be added to the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry on Saturday, November 13, as Jaime Munguia (37-0, 30 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, will put his undefeated record and WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title on the line when he faces off against the Borinquen warrior “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, Penn. Fight fans, clamoring for an all-out war between two of the most exciting warriors in the division, will get to see a 12-round ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Additional information on the event will be announced.

“This fight will be full of non-stop action. It will be a war that fight fans will enjoy and a new exciting chapter in the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Both fighters are coming off of spectacular performances and knock-out victories that showed their power, speed, and resilience. Jaime Munguia is a super-star; he has all the elements that make a fighter great. He’s already conquered the junior middleweight division and is on his way to conquer the middleweight division. But this is going to be a big test for him because Gabriel Rosado is a dangerous fighter, he has never backed down from a challenge. He has faced and gone the distance with some of the toughest fighters in the middleweight division. This is truly a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, a fight that fans will remember for years to come.”

“As always, Golden Boy continues to deliver world-class matchmaking in what’s set to be a brilliant night of boxing in November between Jaime Munguia and Gabriel Rosado,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “After a clinical performance against Szeremeta in June, Munguia puts it all on the line again, this time against a fan favorite and one of the toughest men in the sport of boxing, Gabriel Rosado. We cannot wait to bring this fight to fans around the world, live exclusively on DAZN.”

“Rosado is a dangerous fighter with a lot of experience,” said Munguia. “He is a formidable rival that we have to prepare to be stronger and more intelligent in the ring. He has had the opportunity to fight with great fighters, the best in the middleweight division. I am going to give this fight 100% and as always, give a great fight for fans on November 13.”

“I’m excited about this fight. It’s a fight in high demand,” said Rosado. “I respect Munguia as a fighter and I will bring my best and I am confident I will be victorious. My last fight I think will end up being ‘Knock-out of the Year,’ and I plan on making this upcoming bout ‘The Fight of the Year.’ Time to make history. Team KGR!!”

Ranked as one of the top middleweights in the world, Jaime Munguia will have a big challenge in facing “King” Gabriel Rosado. One of the most exciting fighters to come out of Tijuana, Mexico, Munguia is a rising boxing super-star in the middleweight division. He has already conquered the junior middleweight division with a former world title and five defenses against Liam “Beefy” Smith, Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan, and Patrick Allotey. Now, Munguia hopes to continue his undefeated streak as he trains under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales as he continues to climb the ranks and prove he is the best at 160lbs.

“King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is coming off of a sensational knock-out victory over the former undefeated fighter Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev. The Philadelphia fighter of Puerto Rican descent has never backed down from a fight and has delivered some of the most memorable battles in the sport, facing some of the toughest fighters in the division. His experience has prepared him for the upcoming test, as he takes on Munguia on November 13 and hopefully claim the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title.

Munguia vs. Rosado is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, November 13, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Luego de las espectaculares actuaciones del pasado viernes, de los campeones mundiales mexicanos, Juan Francisco “Gallo” Estrada y Julio César “Rey” Martínez, ahora toca el turno al monarca Minimosca WBO , Elwin “Pulga” Soto, de demostrar que él también, es uno de los mejores peleadores del mundo en las divisiones menores, que es un campeón mundial sólido, y que lo mejor, está por venir.

“Pulga” Soto (17-1-0, 12 ko’s) de la escuadra de Promociones de Fernando Beltrán expondrá por segunda vez su campeonato, enfrentándose al peligroso retador nicaragüense Carlos Buitrago (32-5-1, 18 ko’s) este viernes, en Indio California, en función de Golden Boy y Zanfer que será transmitida a nivel internacional por la plataforma DAZN, y retransmitida el sábado por Azteca 7, la Casa del Boxeo.

Soto, de 23 años de edad y originario de San Felipe, Baja California, dio la gran campanada al convertirse en campeón del mundo en junio de 2019, noqueando en el round 12 a Ángel Acosta, considerado un fenómeno y la próxima gran figura del boxeo boricua, que entonces llevaba un récord de 20-1-0, y todos sus triunfos por nocaut. En esa pelea, el “Pulga”, que nunca había peleado más de ocho rounds en una contienda, se llevó hasta el round 12 al “Aguacerito”, y lo noqueó en una contienda en la que iba abajo en las puntuaciones.

En su primera defensa venció por decisión unánime al hasta entonces invicto filipino, Edward Heno, y en su más reciente pelea, el 15 de febrero, liquidó en un round a Javier Rendón.

Sin embargo, le espera un rival de gran peligro como el “Chocorroncito” Buitrago, quien ya fue campeón mundial, y que aunque apenas tiene 28 años de edad, tiene una experiencia de 39 peleas (234 rounds), contra las 18 (81) de Soto.

Buitrago ha conquistado cuatro campeonatos internacionales (Juvenil Mínimo OMB, Fedecentro Mínimo AMB, Latino Mínimo OMB y NABA Mínimo), y de las cinco derrotas que aparece en su récord, sólo dos han sido por nocaut, disputando campeonatos mundiales y en casa de sus rivales. Ane Hiroto Kyoguchi en diciembre de 2017 en Japón (título mundial Mínimo FIB) y ante Ángel Acosta en junio de 2018 en Puerto Rico (título mundial Minimosca OMB).

El duelo entre “Pulga” Soto y “Chocorroncito” Buitrago será el principal de respaldo de la función que será encabezada por la pelea de campeonato Intercontinental Medio WBO , entre el tijuanense Jaime “Destructor” Munguía (35-0-0, 28 ko’s), ex monarca mundial Superwelter y el bahamés Tureano Johnson (21-2-1, 15 ko’s).

En la misma función de este viernes en Indio, California, otro mexicano estará involucrado en otra pelea de gran importancia para la proyección de su carrera. El sonorense Alan Campa (17-5-0, 11 ko’s) se enfrentará al uzbeko, y medallista de plata en los Juegos Olímpicos de Río 2016, el zurdo Bektemir Melikuziev (5-0-0, 4 ko’s) estando en juego el vacante campeonato Intercontinental Supermedio WBO.

El viernes 30 de octubre, dos mexicanos de la cuadra de Promociones Zanfer encabezarán una explosiva función en Indio, California, en ruta a conquistar sus metas inmediatas, y confirmar su posición en la élite del boxeo mundial en sus respectivas divisiones.

Los bajacalifornianos Jaime Munguía y Elwin Soto sostendrán peleas de alto nivel, en una función a puerta cerrada que será transmitida por DAZN y que se podrá ver en territorio mexicano el sábado 31 de octubre por Azteca 7, la Casa del Boxeo.

Munguía (35-0-0, 28 ko’s), actual campeón Intercontinental de la OMB, enfrentará al ex olímpico originario de Bahamas, Tureano Johnson (21-2-1, 15 ko’s), en una pelea de alta exigencia a 10 rounds en peso Medio.

Munguía, ex campeón mundial Superwelter OMB con cinco defensas realizadas, ya peleó en peso Medio el pasado mes de enero, y noqueó en 11 rounds a Gary O’Sullivan.

Johnson, que llegó a cuartos de final en los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing 2008 (ganó los combates de las dos rondas preliminares) representando a Bahamas, ya fue campeón Internacional Medio AMB, y las dos derrotas que aparecen en su récord han sido ante rivales de élite, como Curtis Stevens y Sergiy Derevyachenko.

La otra pelea estelar tendrá al campeón mundial Minimosca OMB, Elwin “Pulga” Soto (17-1-0, 12 ko’s) que expondrá su título por segunda ocasión, enfrentándose al nicaragüense Carlos Buitrago (32-5-1, 18 ko’s), en lo que será la pelea de más alta exigencia para el peleador mexicano, pero valiosa en su intención de unificar campeonatos.

Soto, que abrió su campamento de entrenamiento en Los Ángeles, para continuarlo en su natal San Felipe, y lo cerrará desde el día 15 de nuevo en Los Ángeles, conquistó el título en junio de 2019 noqueando en el round 12 al boricua Ángel Acosta, y lo defendió cuatro meses después frente al filipino Edward Heno, al que superó por puntos.

Sin embargo, su rival es de gran experiencia y fogueo internacional, ex campeón mundial Juvenil y ex campeón Fedecentro, Latino, Norteamérica NABA y tres veces contendientes a campeonato mundial, ha combatido, además de en su natal Nicaragua, en plazas de Estados Unidos, México, Filipinas, Tailandia, Japón, Puerto Rico y Costa Rica y se ha enfrentado a rivales de la talla de Julián Yedras, Merlito Sabilo, Thammanoon Niyomtrong, Mario Rodríguez, Hiroto Kyoguchi, el propio Ángel Acosta, McWilliams Arroyo y Félix Moncada, por lo que la “lona recorrida” estará a su favor.

Para Munguía, la meta es disputar un campeonato mundial Medio a corto plazo, y las opciones son Jermall Charlo (CMB), Ryoto Murata (AMB), Gennady Golovkin (FIB) y Demetrius Andrade (OMB), además, desde luego, del “Canelo” Álvarez, en su status de “súper campeón”.

Para Soto, unificar su campeonato mundial Minimosca OMB, en una división donde los otros campeones son Kenshiro Teraji (CMB), Carlos Canizalez (AMB regular), Hiroto Kyoguchi (AMB súper) y Félix Alvarado (FIB).

Mexico’s rising middleweight star Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) will return to the ring to defend his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship against Tureano Johnson (21-2-1, 15 KOs) in a 12-round battle on Friday, October 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The fight will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Additional information for this card will be announced shortly. The event will be closed to the public and media.

“Jaime Munguia has all the qualities to become Mexico’s biggest boxing superstar,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy.

“He’s tough, charismatic, and has the physique to win world titles at both middleweight and super-middleweight after a successful reign at 154 pounds. However, Tureano Johnson is coming off an impressive knockout win against Jason Quigley in which he handed him his first loss, something he definitely wants to do against Munguia as well.

This is a veritable crossroads fight, and the winner will cement his case for a world title opportunity and be a threat to any of the champions.”

Munguia is a 23-year-old contender of Tijuana, Mexico, who catapulted to the highest levels of the 154-pound division by knocking out Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. Munguia then defended his title against Liam “Beefy” Smith, Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan, and Patrick Allotey.

After five defenses at junior middleweight, Munguia moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan. Now, he’ll face his toughest test to date against a battle-tested warrior Johnson.

“It’s a great honor to be returning during these tough times,” said Jaime Munguia. “I hope to deliver excitement and entertainment to the fans as the world begins to make its return to normalcy slowly. At the same time, I have been training and improving my skills with my team at the Ceremonial Center in Otomi [Mexico], and I will show everyone that Jaime Munguia is ready for the best in the division.”

“I am very happy and excited,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “With so many issues that are taking place on a global level, it is an honor to have the most charismatic boxer in Mexico in Jaime Munguia returning to the ring.”

Johnson is a 36-year-old contender who hopes to fight for a world title despite some setbacks in his career. Johnson’s only losses were against Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens and Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko. After a very tough battle against Fernando “El Huracan” Castaneda in February, the native of Nassau, Bahamas bounced back by handing Jason Quigley his first loss and capturing the NABF Middleweight Title. Johnson is eager to show everyone that he is world championship caliber.

“I am excited about the opportunity to fight Jaime Munguia,” said Tureano Johnson. “The setbacks I have had in my career have only made me stronger. Munguia is a tough undefeated fighter, but I will hand him his first defeat as I pursue my quest to be the middleweight champion of the world.”

Munguia vs. Johnson is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. Hennessy sponsors the event “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, October 30, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“Sería como un reality show, con el número de personas que permitan las restricciones sanitarias gubernamentales”, explica Fernando Beltrán

La empresa Zanfer se encuentra analizando varias formas de poder hacer boxeo profesional en estos tiempos, donde la pandemia de la enfermedad del coronavirus está afectando a todos los sectores.

Entre los planes está hacer veladas a puerta cerrada, es decir, sin público, y hasta un reality show, donde sólo habría el número de personas que permitan las restricciones sanitarias indicadas por el gobierno.

Una vez que se pueda hacer boxeo profesional, con esas estrategias, se tiene pensado hasta hacer funciones en días consecutivos.

«Con nuestro aliado estratégico, que es TV Azteca, siempre hemos sido muy inquietos, muy creativos y, sinceramente, sí hemos pensado en hacer boxeo sin audiencia», reveló Fernando Beltrán, tras unos cuestionamientos hechos por reporteros de un medio de comunicación regional.

«También pensamos en darle a la gente, ahora que está en sus casas, no sé, concentrar a dos contendientes del mismo peso, a lo mejor, no que peleen, pero sí hacer un cuatro comparativo de la forma de trabajar de cada uno», agregó.

Fernando Beltrán recordó que no se había organizado peleas de boxeo profesional, debido a las restricciones del gobierno, pero, si este, en su momento accede a realizar eventos con determinada cantidad de personas, la empresa se adaptaría.

«Vamos a concentrarlo en las mismas instalaciones de Tv Azteca, y darle al público una especial de reality show, breve, de lo que come un boxeador, lo que se cuida, las sesiones de entrenamiento, preparación física, y eso viene a darle el conocimiento al aficionado y nos ayudaría a todos», enfatizó.

Los boxeadores que estén listos, primeros en regresar

Una vez que las autoridades de salud den “luz verde” para hacer eventos profesionales de boxeo, Zanfer estará regresando de inmediato con los boxeadores que estén listo para pelear, así lo adelantó Fernando Beltrán.

«El boxeo es un deporte de hambre de todo tipo, como siempre lo hemos dicho. Yo creo que los boxeadores que estén listos, serán los mayores beneficiados en cuanto termine esto de la pandemia de la enfermedad del coronavirus», comentó el CEO de Zanfer.

«Yo estoy seguro de que muchos boxeadores están entrenando en sus casas, se están preparando y, sinceramente, en cuanto las autoridades consideren que ya se pueden hacer eventos masivos, todo mundo vamos estar programando, y vamos a tener filas de boxeadores tratando de programar», agregó.

La Temporada 2020 de Zanfer arrancó el 11 de enero en San Antonio, Texas, donde el tijuanense Jaime Munguía demostró que no sólo fue un sólido campeón mundial Superwelter, sino que es un serio contendiente en la división de los pesos Medios, al hacer su presentación en las 160 libras y noquear en 11 rounds a Gary O´Sullivan.

Y su última velada, antes del paro de funciones, por órdenes del sector salud, fue en Tijuana, teniendo como pelea estelar la victoria de Omar Aguilar, por nocaut, ante David Alegría.

Por Balun Canan / http://semanariobaluncanan.com/

Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) made a successful 160-pound debut by defeating Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (30-4, 21 KOs) via 11th-round stoppage to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. The event was streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“This was a new division for me,” said Jaime Munguia. “I felt stronger and with more conditioning, I just needed to adjust my speed to feel fully comfortable. I would give my performance a 7 or 8 because I needed to do a few more things, but we will get there fight by fight.”

“I was confused about whether to attack or not to attack. Sometimes I thought I had to attack, but I didn’t. But thanks to my corner and Erick Morales I was able to get him. On the last rounds, I was more attentive, even though I still got punched a few times.”

“I would like to fight the best of this division: Canelo, Golovkin, or the Charlos. I know they have more experience, but I look forward to those fights. I want to thank everyone in San Antonio and Viva Mexico.”

“I feel disappointed,” said Gary O’Sullivan. “I was hoping I could win, but I guess I wasn’t good enough to take him down. I just want to go home, spend time with my family and rest. I’ve been away for too long and I think it’s time for me to go and enjoy some time with them. I have made a great sacrifice for this fight, but it’s OK.”

In the co-main event, Alejandra “La Tigre” Jimenez (13-0-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexicocaptured the unified WBO Super Middleweight World Title against Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (6-2, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland via majority decision in a 10-round fight. Jimenez won with scores of 97-93 and 98-92, while one judge scored 97-93 in favor of Crews-Dezurn.

“I feel great! This is amazing,” said Alejandra Jimenez. “I’ve accomplished one of my biggest dreams. I’ve been away from my family for a long time. This win is for them, my team, and my country, particularly my Cancun that I love so much.”

“I’m heartbroken, but I’ve been here before,” said Franchon Crews-Dezurn. “This is a learning experience; I have to go back and regroup with my team because I don’t think a decision on my favor was that far. This was a tough fight for me. This was my 8th fight, but I’m still learning and growing in the ring. I thank Golden Boy for the opportunity to show my skills in front of a Hispanic crowd and new people that haven’t met me before. I’m glad they were entertained. This wasn’t the outcome I wanted for my first fight of the year, but I will be back.”

WBO ‘CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT’ SERIES; Amanda Serrano will be honored; Golf tournament with boxing stars & Legends

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO- For three boxing events during the month of October, the World Boxing Organization will serve as a link to give Puerto Rican talent a chance when conducting its “Champions Tournament” which will have several important scepters at play and help build the shoe for what will come in 2020.

It will have its headquarters on October 4 at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, immediately followed on October 5 at the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum in San Juan,PR and culminating on the 26th at the Rubén Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto,PR.

“Near the WBO Convention we always do a‘ Champions Tournament ”. We did it in Panama in 2018 and we have done it in Puerto Rico, in Orlando, in Miami. But being the convention this year in Japan (December 2-5), we wanted to do something as usual in the Caribbean, ”said WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’Valcárcel.

“We will have four championship fights as part of that tournament, starting on October 4 in Kissimmee with Yomar Álamo (17-0 with 12 KO’s) against Mexican Antonio Morán (24-4 with 17 KO’s) for WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title. Subsequently, we have Danielito Zorrilla (12-0 with 10 KO’s) against the Aztec Jesus Perez (23-2 with 18 KO’s) for the WBO NABO interim Jr. Welterweight title with the idea that the winner there will face the winner between Álamo and Morán in a unifying fight for the NABO title by the beginning of 2020 ”.

As if that were not enough, the Miguel Cotto Promotions cartel on October 5 will have a second championship fight when the Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago faces the Puerto Rican Israel Vázquez for the vacant WBO Latino Jr. Flyweight title. The tournament will then end on October 26 with the Spartan Boxing cartel, in which Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez will defend his WBO World Mini-Flyweight crown for the first time.

The ambitious tournament presented by the World Boxing Organization of the event on Saturday, October 5, where Danielito Zorrilla faces Jesús Antonio Pérez will be seen exclusively in Puerto Rico for DIRECTV clients on channel 161

“We are very happy with the opportunity that Paco Valcarcel and the entire World Boxing Organization gives us to be part of this great championship tournament and more which will be live television throughout Puerto Rico on DIRECTV where we will have our most important boxer Danielito Zorrilla in his most important fight. Without a doubt, the champions tournament is a very important platform for all the promoters and boxers that will participate, it is the beginning of great opportunities for big fights, ”said promoter and vice president of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Héctor Soto.

Amanda Serrano will be honored:

As part of the festivities, the female world champion in seven divisions, Amanda Serrano, will be present in Kissimmee and San Juan, where she will be honored after being crowned recently as the new WBO Jr. Featherweight monarch.

“Amanda Serrano will be with us. She wants to dedicate her triumph to the Puerto Rican community. She will be first in Kissimmee on October 4. From there, Amanda flies to Puerto Rico to be on October 5 at Coliseum Pedrín Zorrilla, where she will be given her new champion belt at 126 pounds, ”said Valcárcel.

“She is going to stay in Puerto Rico for a couple more days because she turns 9 on October 9 and from there she will return to the United States because she has to continue training for the MMA fight that she has on the agenda soon.”

Golf tournament with boxing stars

To conclude the festivities, the WBO will host a golf tournament in “El Legado” in Guayama with the participation of several pugilisms, legends, as well as several of the best local fighters today.

“Before the October 26 card, we will have a golf tournament on October 24 with local boxers, trainers to share with professional boxing stars, such as Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya and Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright, as well as Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy Promotions. They could be joined by others, such as Jaime Mungía (WBO World Jr. Middleweight Champion) and Emanuel Navarrete (WBO World Jr. Featherweight Champion). Some are still to be confirmed, ”added Valcárcel.

One of Mexico’s biggest boxing stars lived up to the hype once again on one of the most important dates for Mexico as undefeated world champion Jaime Munguia (34-0, 27 KOs) of Tijuana outlanded and overpowered Patrick Allotey (40-4, 30 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, leading the African warrior to take a delayed knee at 2:18 of Round 4 before his corner put a stop to the slugfest.

Munguia thus successfully defended his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title for the fifth consecutive time and gave the electric crowd the finale they had hoped for to conclude an action-packed fight night celebrating Mexican Independence Day Weekend at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, and streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico and African warrior Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs) hosted their media workout today at Azteca Boxing Club ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. This battle will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what some of today’s participants had to say at the event.

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight Champion:
“It’s very important to me that I’m headlining on this special day. It’s a big responsibility but it’s very exciting and I promise to do a good job for all my fans. My trainer, Erik Morales, gets more out of me. I’m training harder and running harder. I’m going to give the best and I hope I can deliver the best to the fans. As a Mexican, I’m representing my country and it’s a huge responsibility but I’m happy to be taking it on. Patrick Allotey is coming ready to fight me and of course, I want to win by knockout. I felt really good during training camp and I hope to give a spectacular show.”

PATRICK ALLOTEY, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“I’m happy to fight because it’s an opportunity to showcase myself. I love Mexico, I love Mexican fighters. I don’t feel worried to be fighting in a card that is so important for Mexican boxing because when I’m fighting with a Mexican, I’m Mexican too. And when the fans are shouting for my opponent, they are shouting to me too. I can’t define my style, because that is something that you decide at the ring. In boxing you don’t need style, you need to think. I’m a well-rounded fighter. I’m ready.”

Munguia vs. Allotey is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and Orange Crush. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Munguia vs. Allotey ticket information
Tickets for Munguia vs. Allotey are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, https://www.axs.com/, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

Photo by Tom Hogan

Somehow, Jaime Munguia will find a way to make 154 pounds at least one more time.

That was the mentality within his camp and particularly of the unbeaten super welterweight titlist when the opportunity arose to headline a Mexican Independence Day-themed card. Munguia will face Ghana’s Patrick Allotey in the main event of a DAZN-streamed card on Sept. 14 live from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

“It’s such a tremendous honor to represent Mexico, represent our people,” Munguia (33-0, 26KOs) told BoxingScene.com of being selected to headline the card. “To be able to do it in California means even more. I’ve never fought there before.

“I know we have a lot of fans there who now get to see me fight that wouldn’t have been able to travel to Las Vegas, or Mexico or anywhere else. So now I get to fight in California for the first time and on such a big (weekend) for our heritage.”

The assignment went to the 22-year old from Tijuana, Mexico after World middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez was unable to keep the date. The plan was for Alvarez—who has commanded Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day-centric cards for each of the past three years—to headline a Sept. 14 show in Las Vegas.

However, Golden Boy Promotions was forced to seek an alternate route once it became clear the sport’s biggest draw was going to have to push back his timetable in order to secure his next opponent.

That brought the conversation to Munguia, whom has emerged as a rising star in the sport. The next bout will mark his sixth in just 16 months, all in title fights dating back to his one-sided 4th round stoppage of Sadam Ali to win the crown last May.

Concerns arose of his fleeing the division following a disputed points win over Dennis Hogan this past April in Monterrey, Mex., as it has become increasingly difficult to squeeze his 6’0”—and still maturing—frame into a 154-pound uniform.

It’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make for at least one more fight, it if means commanding the spotlight in honor of his nation’s most celebrated holiday. So far, training camp is going as planned to where he could consider sticking around at the weight for the right opportunity.

“We’ll see how we feel but so far camp is going really well and I’m not really thinking about moving up in weight yet,” Munguia insisted. “We haven’t really made any changes. Maybe just eating less, definitely no more tacos until after the fight.

“Once we get past (Allotey), then we can celebrate the right way. This weekend is too important for Mexicans, I want to handle the honor responsibly.”

Article by Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, and his new trainer Erik Morales hosted a press conference today at the Golden Boy Headquarters in Los Angeles, Calif. ahead of Munguia’s title defense against Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs). The event will take place on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Erik Morales: “I’m very grateful to be working with Munguia. He’s a great fighter and a young fighter with a lot of desire to show. It reminds me of when I was younger. He has been improving over our last two months of working together. I assure you that the Munguia you know will be different, but will also deliver the same explosive style he has. We are showing him and guiding him.”

Jaime Munguia: “I feel very happy to be the main event for this Mexican Independence Day fight. It’s going to be a great day for boxing and a great day for Mexico. My desire on September 14th is to demonstrate everything I’ve been learning with my new trainer Erik Morales. I have a great fighter in front of me and we are going to show it in the ring.”

“We know that Allotey is strong, fast and has a lot of knockouts. We will have to be very careful about that. But, I’ll be looking to give a great show, and I’ll look for the knockout on September 14.”

Munguia’s promoter Fernando Beltran, President of Zanfer Promotions: “I have lots memories on this podium by being here with Erik Morales. Munguia is a special fighter and he will prove that he belongs on the top and fighting the best fighters out there, such as Canelo and Golovkin. I know everyone will enjoy this fight on Mexican Independence Day.”

Oscar de la Hoya: “As always we will have a very stacked undercard for this fight. We are excited to host this fight at one of the most exciting venues in California. Dignity Health Sports Park brings out the best in every fighter, so we can’t wait for the fans to experience this fight. This fight will also include a Mexican fiesta featuring bands and activations from Tecate and Orange Crush. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, where we are committed to making the best fights and giving fans and affordable price to watch. Our partners at DAZN have been instrumental in bringing affordable boxing to the masses and on a global scale.”

“We are truly excited to be showcasing Munguia on an important day for boxing, especially now that he has a new trainer. We strongly feel this new trainer will bring out the best in Munguia. Munguia is willing to jump around into different divisions and every punch he throws is with bad intentions. He’s a hard worker and he’s disciplined and dedicated. He’s also a real pleasure outside of the ring.”

Photo by Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

via fightnews.com

Jaime Munguia will defend his WBO junior middleweight title against Patrick Allotey, Golden Boy Promotions announced Saturday morning.

The 12-round bout will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly known as the Stubhub Center) in Carson, California. Also on the card, unbeaten lightweight Ryan Garcia will finally return to the ring, squaring off against Avery Sparrow.

Both fights will stream live on DAZN.

Munguia (33-0, 26 knockouts), who resides in Tijuana, Mexico, last fought on Apr. 13 in Monterrey, Mexico, defeating mandatory challenger Dennis Hogan of Australia in a fight many thought Hogan did enough to win. Before Allotey was finalized as an opponent for Munguia, there were several reports last week Munguia would face former world titleholder Jessie Vargas, but negotiations reportedly fell through between representatives of both fighters.

The 22-year-old Munguia will be making his fifth defense of the WBO title he won on May 12 of last year by knocking out Sadam Ali. The world-title defense will also be in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day weekend celebrations throughout Southern California.

“I feel very happy for the opportunity of headlining a card on Sept. 14,” said Munguia, who is trained by Robert Alcazar. ”That’s the best date for boxing in the entire year. It’s a great date for Mexico because that’s when we celebrate Mexican Independence Day. I’m proud and honored to be representing Mexico in the festivals for my country. I’ll give my best and I’ll try to deliver a great fight for all the people and for those who will see us.”

Munguia is co-promoted by Golden Boy and Zanfer Promotions. He is ranked No. 4 by The Ring.

Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs), who resides in Accra, Ghana, defeated Sharif Kasongo by unanimous decision in his last bout on Dec. 24. The 28-year-old Allotey, who is ranked No. 11 by the WBO, has won his last six bouts since losing to unbeaten Kanat Islam by unanimous decision in October of 2016.

“I respect Munguia,” said Allotey. “He is a great fighter, but I’m an African warrior, so you know I’ll be coming to cause a big surprise.”

Sept. 14 will mark Allotey’s second fight in the United States. Allotey was knocked out by contender Patrick Teixeira in April of 2015 in Verona, New York.

Via Francisco Salazar / BoxingScene.com

The current junior middleweight champion of the World Boxing Organization, Jaime Munguia, is currently training in his native Tijuana with former world champion Erik ‘Terrible’ Morales, in the gymnasium of the North Zone, according to ESPN Deportes.

Munguia is waiting to receive a date for his next defense of the 154 pound world title.

Morales has been close to Munguia in the gym, as well as the well-known Fernando Fernandez, who already helped Munguía while getting ready to face Dennis Hogan last April in Monterrey, when he defended his world title in a closed decision for the fourth time.

It has not been established yet if Munguia will train full-time with Erik Morales and if the four-time world champion will have the availability for it, since he is currently a federal deputy, but in the coming weeks there could be news of whether or not the young boxer plans to continues with current coach Roberto Alcázar or goes in full-time with Morales.

In the bout with Hogan, the Mexican boxer showed a very vulnerable defense. He was tagged with hard combinations throughout the fight and there were many who felt Hogan had done enough to get the decision.

Hogan and his team filed a protest with the WBO, challenging the scores of the contest and demanding an immediate rematch. But the WBO had independent judges score the fight and they sided with the initial outcome and refused to order an immediate rematch.

If nothing else, Jaime Munguia managed to get a mandatory challenge out of the way and can now start thinking about his future—one that could very well come six pounds north.

The unbeaten rising star from Tijuana, Mexico lodged the fourth defense of his super welterweight title, albeit in a controversial majority decision over Dennis Hogan in their 12-round affair Saturday evening at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

Scores were 114-114 even, 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of Munguia in their DAZN-streamed main event.

“Honestly, once the fight ended I thought it was going to end in a draw,” Munguia said after what was easily the toughest fight of his still young career.

Photo by Tom Hogan / Golden Boy Promotions

More on https://www.boxingscene.com/jaime-munguia-decision-hogan-results–137945

WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia and mandatory 154-pound challenger Dennis Hurricane” Hogan had their official weigh-in ahead of their 12-round fight for Munguia’s title. Eaqch one weighed 154 lbs. They were joined by Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, along with Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions, among others.The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

WBO Female World Flyweight Clash

WBO World Champion Arely Muciño weighed 112 lbs, and Yairineth Altuva 112 lbs for their fight tomorrow at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Weigh-In WBO Latino Clash:
WBO Latino Jr. Middleweight Champion and #4 ranked 🇧🇷 Patrick Teixeira (29-1, 22 KOs) weighed 154 lbs vs. 🇲🇽 Mario Alberto Lozano (33-8, 24 KOs) weighed 154 lbs.

(photos by Tom Hogan/Hoganphotos, Stacey Verbeek)

via boxingscene.com

WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) and mandatory 154-pound challenger Dennis Hurricane” Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for Munguia’s title. They were joined by Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, along with Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions, among others.The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“I feel very happy and proud to be here. We have been advancing, little by little. had four very tough world title fights. We’ve been learning a lot, and we’ve been gaining a lot of experience during the past year. I also want to say that I will leave everything in the ring this Saturday. I want you all to see a different Jaime Munguia, a better version with better abilities. I want to tell Dennis Hogan that this world title will stay in Mexico. He is not a better fighter than me. This fight is dedicated to all of Mexico!”

DENNIS HOGAN, WBO Number 1 Contender:

“I’m happy to be now as my chance to become world champion gets closer. I want to say that as an Irish man living in Australia who is fighting a Mexican in his own land, I am honored. I know that Ireland, Australia and Mexico are great boxing nations with people who always fight with determination and will. So, I know this will be an excellent fight for everyone in the world. I’m happy and proud to be part of it. To put the icing on the cake, I will be going out there to take that world championship. I’m winning on April 13.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:

“Golden Boy has been here before in this great city of Monterrey back in September 2008 when Antonio Pitalua and Jose Armando Santa Cruz fought in the main event. Monterrey, the land of great fighters such as Lauro “El Tigre” Salas and Clemente Sánchez, will be in for a show on Saturday when knockout artist Jaime Munguia faces the tough Australian contender, Dennis Hogan.”

“Munguia became known to the world by beating Sadam Ali by knockout in May 2018 when he was crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion. Since then, this powerful Mexican warrior has defended his crown three times. Now, he has a very difficult test against Dennis Hogan, WBO No. 1 contender. We know it will be a great battle between two of the best 154-pound fighters in the world.”

“Also, the co-main event will feature Diego de la Hoya against Enrique Bernache in his featherweight debut. We are also going to present to the local fans the strong Brazilian contender Patrick Teixeira, who will face Mario Lozano in a match for the WBO Latino Junior Middleweight Title. At Golden Boy, we are committed to offering the best fights in boxing.”

Photos by Tom Hogan/Hoganphotos, Stacey Verbeek.

Via boxingscene.com

Irish-born Aussie boxer Dennis Hogan will become the first Aussie fighter to appear on the new streaming service DAZN, fighting for a world title when he faces WBO super-welterweight champion Jaime Munguia.
Munguia vs Hogan will happen next week on Sunday, April 14 Australian time, or Saturday, April 13 in Mexico, as the fight is happening at the Arena Monterrey in Nuevo Leon.

This will be the final fight for Munguia in the super-welterweight division, as the Mexican fighter will move up to the 160lbs or 72.5kg middleweight division to obtain bouts with either middleweight fighters and fellow members of the DAZN brand Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs.

WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade could also be another challenge for Munguia to pursue as a current WBO champion. He can ask for a title shot at the middleweight championship after he relinquishes the super-middleweight title.

But Canelo and Golovkin are the men that Munguia wants to go after.

Similar to when Jeff Horn fought Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title back in 2017, Hogan has been given little chance of victory.

Hogan has been labelled by the American website Boxingnews24.com as a “weak opponent” that Munguia should easily defeat before moving up to the middleweight division.

Regardless of what the American press thinks, Hogan is the recognized No.1 contender for the WBO in the super-welterweight division.

With Munguia clearly focused on what may be after the fight with Hogan, the Aussie may have the advantage that the champion may take his opponent too lightly.

Many a champ – including Pacquiao – have taken a opponent far too lightly, either ill-prepared for the fight or waiting too long to end the bout then losing on points.

Either way, Munguia best prepare for a battle with our Aussie fighter as Hogan has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

VIA https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/04/08/hogan-to-become-first-aussie-to-appear-on-dazn/

WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) and mandatory 154-pound contender Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KOs) hosted an international media conference call today to discuss their upcoming 12-round battle. They were joined by Roberto Alcazar, trainer of Munguia, along with Robert Gasparri, Chief Operating Officer of Golden Boy. The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

ROBERT GASPARRI: Hi, everyone. Thank you all for dialing in today for the Jaime Munguia versus Dennis Hogan international conference call ahead of their showdown for the WBO Junior Middleweight world title. This event will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, México, and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. Munguia will be making his long-awaited return to México as he looks to make his fourth defense of his Junior Middleweight world title. Hogan on the other hand is an Irish-born resident of Australia and he is the No. 1 contender for the title Munguia holds. He is looking to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion.

This battle will be streamed live on DAZN. We want to thank all our partners at DAZN for providing Golden Boy with the best platform in boxing.

For those of you who will make the trip to México, tickets for Munguia/Hogan can still be purchased online at www.ArenaMonterrey.com.

We also want to thank our friends at Zanfer Promotions, who co-promote Jaime Munguia with us. They will be hosting this spectacular event in México with Golden Boy, so we greatly appreciate all their support and friendship.

We will now introduce today’s participants on the conference call and then follow up with some questions and answers. At this point, we want to hear from the challenger himself. Please welcome Dennis Hogan, the No. 1 challenger for the WBO Junior Middleweight world title to make some comments. Dennis?

DENNIS HOGAN: Yeah, how you doing? I just want to say thank you very much for the call. I appreciate everyone dialing in, and I want to let everyone know, as he said, my dream of becoming a world champion is very strong, and I’ve been doing everything in training, ticking all the boxes and doing everything right to make that happen. Training has been going extremely well. I’ve got laser focus and I see myself lifting that title on April 13th in México. I appreciate everyone’s support that I’ve had so far, and I’m looking forward to getting even more after this point. Thank you.

ROBERT GASPARRI: Dennis, thank you so much. Now we want to introduce the trainer, who is recognized for having trained some of the best fighters in boxing. He also trained our chairman and CEO at Golden Boy Promotions Oscar de la Hoya. Now he is training Jaime Munguia as he prepares him to make his exciting fight for this young star. Please welcome Robert Alcazar to make some comments. Robert?

ROBERT ALCAZAR: Hi, yes, thank you. How are you, everybody? We’re working hard with Jaime Munguia every day. Jaime Munguia is ready, and Jaime Munguia is going to be ready for the 13th. We’re just basically waiting for the day, and everything is going well for us.

ROBERT GASPARRI: Last but not least, let’s hear a few comments from the WBO World Champion himself. Please welcome rising Mexican star Jaime Munguia to say a few words. Jaime?

JAIME MUNGUIA: Good morning, everyone. I’m very happy and I feel ready. I’m prepared for this next fight, and thank you all for joining on this conference call.

ROBERT GASPARRI: We’re going to now open it up for some questions from the media. Media, can you please address your question, and Gabe will translate for English and Spanish.

Q. Good morning, everybody. My question is to Jaime. Where do you see yourself or where would you rank yourself among the Junior Middleweight belt holders that include Jarrett Hurd and Tony Harrison?

JAIME MUNGUIA: I would consider myself No. 1. The truth is, and with all due respect, and I’m saying it with as much humility as possible, that I feel like I consider myself No. 1.

Q. So if you beat Dennis Hogan on April 13th, what fight would you like next afterwards?

JAIME MUNGUIA: I have no one in mind right now. I’m simply going to keep fighting, keep fighting good opponents like Dennis Hogan, but that’s a question for my promoter Fernando Beltran.

Q. Jaime, last year you nearly got the Gennady Golovkin fight. How do you think that fight would have gone last year as opposed to now?

JAIME MUNGUIA: Look, I don’t know. I can say that I have the mentality of going forward and always feeling that I will get my hand raised in victory, so I feel I would have won, but nobody really knows what would have happened.

Q. How does it feel to fight in México, now returning as a superstar there, and knowing full well that Monterrey is going to be paralyzed that night? It’s going to be at a standstill to expect you as a star.

JAIME MUNGUIA: It’s good to talk to you. The truth is I’m very happy to be coming back to México as a world champion. This is the last place where I fought before I became a world champion and made all of my defenses. So it’s very exciting to be coming back to México, coming back to Monterrey. It’s great. I love — the city has a great love for boxing, and I’ll be coming with all the desire to not disappoint the fans and give a good fight.

Q. Now the same for Robert Alcazar; how does it feel to be taking Munguia back to México?

ROBERT ALCAZAR: I’m excited to have this opportunity to be back in our home country. What better way than with a world champion in this city, Monterrey. It’s a city that’s very nice and has a great love for boxing, and we’re going to make sure that we give the best of us. We’re going to make sure that we give a great show and a great fight, and there’s lots of emotion involved. I’m very happy for the opportunity, and our promoters are giving us to be taking us to this country, to Monterrey, where it is very nice, and I want to say it’s an extra motivation and that we will not disappoint.

Q. It’s often asked to GGG, being on DAZN, if you had had a good offer, would you have fought Munguia, and he says, yeah. So would you guys if you had the opportunity to fight someone like GGG if given the opportunity?

READ Munguia ready for Golovkin fight
JAIME MUNGUIA: Yes, we would be interested in that fight with GGG now that he is on DAZN. The truth is it would be a good fight for us and for the people. One year ago it couldn’t happen, but now obviously it’s a possibility, and if a year ago I felt ready, now I feel even more ready. So with pleasure we would accept the fight, but right now I’m focused on the fight that I have on April 13th, but after that with pleasure we would take this fight.

ROBERT ALCAZAR: There are plans. There are plans to have this fight, but first we have to go through this fight. But there are future fights. It will be one of those future fights. Of course you would like to have the biggest fights out there, and if GGG is the next fight, then it’s the next fight. But my part is to have Munguia ready so that when the promoter calls and asks him to fight somebody that he is ready to take on any challenge that the promoter decides is best for him.

Q. Jaime, I wanted to know, I see that you added a new trainer to your team with Fernando Fernandez and a nutritionist. I know in the past you’ve spoken about moving up to 160 pounds rather soon, so with this addition, I’m wondering if you’re going to be planning on staying at 154 a bit longer than you were thinking just a few months ago?

JAIME MUNGUIA: I do have plans to move up to 160 pounds, maybe next year or for the next fight or maybe by the end of the year. The truth is we are still saying that, but I feel good, and I feel good making 154 for this fight that I have on April 13th. But we are considering a move up to 160.

Q. Dennis, I’d like to get your thoughts on this great opportunity that you have in hand of becoming the next world champion. What would it mean to you?

DENNIS HOGAN: Obviously it’s a dream of mine my whole life, but the last eight years I’ve just narrowed down and I’ve been doing everything possible to make this a reality. The last couple of years I’ve really gave everything, I’ve given my heart and soul in my training to make this a reality, and I do believe in a couple of weeks I will make that happen.

I’m just — the hunger I have for this World Championship belt is like nothing I’ve ever known before, and when I’ve found narrowed in focused on something I really want, I can achieve anything, so I know I can achieve this and get the win. I have as good a team around me, we’re ticking all the boxes, and I have nothing but supreme confidence. It means the world to me and my family and my team to lift that belt for them and for myself.

Q. When you look at Jaime Munguia and you study his past few fights, for example, against Takeshi Inoue, do you see any weaknesses in his game that you feel like you can exploit on fight night?

DENNIS HOGAN: You know, every single fighter will do little things here and there that you can exploit. I mean, even a fighter that doesn’t make many mistakes, there’s still a game plan you can work out to beat that fighter. So without saying too much about whatever holes Munguia may be making, we certainly have developed a game plan to be able to defeat his style, and whatever it is that anyone brings to the table. I’m always supremely confident in my ability, and the game plan we worked out after Smith has — we’ve been working on that since then, and everything that we’ve seen since correlates with that plan that we’ve made. I’ve been ticking the boxes in training and making sure I can execute that plan, and that’s why right now I’m supremely confident I’ll be world champion April 13th.

Q. My question is for Dennis Hogan. I wanted to know, there’s a lot of attention placed on Munguia everywhere he goes or everywhere both you guys go, but it seems like a lot of attention is on him. A ton of the questions go to him. Even a ton of people on this line are really talking about a matchup with him against GGG. Do you in any way feel disrespected or do you feel like everybody including Munguia is overlooking you?

DENNIS HOGAN: To be honest, no. I’ve been the underdog a lot in my career. I understand where it’s at, and I know that — I understand that all the pressure will be on Munguia going back to México and having to fight there.

You know, whatever way he deals with that, I don’t believe that that’s a major strength in my game plan anyway. My game plan is set, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

But you know, that’s boxing; it’s a business as much as a sport, and everyone is looking to see what the biggest fights can be made, so I understand it is what it is. But I am here to make an upset, and with that I have a lot of confidence. So I enjoy people asking who he’d like to fight next because when other names are being mentioned, they’re probably the names I’ll be fighting next.

Q. Dennis, kind of piggy-backing off what I just said, there’s probably going to be a ton of pressure on Munguia to perform, especially with things being in Mexico City. You on the other hand could probably come in, be a little bit more relaxed. You only have one loss on your record. Do you feel that that added pressure on him can probably affect him negatively in the fight, and since you pretty much feel that you probably don’t have any pressure at all, it’ll probably just give you the opportunity to go out there, do what you want to do and just box?

DENNIS HOGAN: Yeah, you know, you’re correct in that. I will just get out there and be relaxed in that sense. But I will start hard and fast, also, but ultimately I will be relaxed.

Look, I was first mentioning, I know what it’s like to have that pressure, and whether or not Munguia can deal with that is all good, but that’s not something that we’re relying on. But you know, it’s a big stadium. There’s a lot of people there, and it will be interesting to see what way that makes Munguia fight or what way it goes, but again, we’ve got all the boxes ticked. So either way, it is what it is.

READ Munguia ready for Golovkin fight
Q. Jaime, you’re becoming a really good star ever since you were mentioned with GGG. You’ve just gained a lot of traction and a lot of fans and you’ve performed really, really well. I wanted to know, you’re pretty big for 54. Do you see yourself continuing at that weight? Are there any issues making 54, or do you see yourself moving up to 60 within the next year or so, or do you not plan on moving up until you collect all of the belts essentially?

JAIME MUNGUIA: Yes, you have seen I’m big for 154 pounds. It does take some work to do it, but I’ve figured it out pretty well and gotten used to it, but it’s inevitable. I don’t know if it’s going to be for my next fight or by the end of the year, but I will be moving to 160 pounds.

Q. This is kind of a two-parter. Since you acknowledged that you will be moving up to 160 fairly soon into the future, I think a ton of people would love to know in your next fight, not overlooking Dennis at all, but in your next fight, would you want to face someone like a Jarrett Hurd or a Tony Harrison or even a Jermall Charlo? And my second question would be since you’re going to be performing in front of so many of your fans, you’re a great fighter, you’ve knocked out a lot of people, but is there going to be any little bit of added pressure to try to get that knockout in front of the people that came to see you?

JAIME MUNGUIA: Yes, it’s a big pressure because everyone wants to see me win by knockout. But the truth is I need to stay calm. Sometimes I can’t get the knockout, so I have to maintain my calmness, and to answer the other question, whether it’s at 154 or 160 pounds, yes, I would like to fight a Jarrett Hurd or a Tony Harrison.

Q. Dennis, I see you’re training in Australia, you’re from Ireland, so you’re obviously well-traveled. But going to Monterrey, México, fighting in México, but with so many Mexican boxing fans also in Ireland, are you excited for the opportunity to fight in México?

DENNIS HOGAN: Yeah, I mean, I think the Mexicans are very like the Irish in terms of getting in and giving it everything they’ve got. I believe it’s kind of the same mentality the Irish and the Mexicans have. I know it’s a great passion in Ireland and in México, and I believe an Irish versus a Mexican for the World Championship, I think it doesn’t get bigger than that in terms of heart and passion and the supporters getting behind it, and no doubt I’m very excited.

Q. Jaime, it’s about to be one year since you knocked out Sadam Ali to be a world champion. In the last year how has your life changed away from the ring and in the ring? Is it something you can kind of pinpoint how much your life has changed in the last year?

JAIME MUNGUIA: I think everything has changed for the better, and thank God. We have a better life now. There are more opportunities, and more than anything, it’s a big responsibility because I’m fighting often. I’m staying in the gym, and I’m fighting one fight after another. So it’s been a big change. It’s been an excellent change, and the truth is I’m very happy for this change.

Q. Dennis, I don’t think there will be a whole lot of Irish flags flying down in Monterrey, so knowing that you’re going to have a very aggressive crowd down there, not perhaps in your corner, how do you handle that?

DENNIS HOGAN: As long as there’s one flag that’s flying, I’ll be happy, and that’s all I need. We will have a few, and I believe we’ll have a very vocal crowd there between the Irish and Australians of support. Even if there wasn’t, I’ll give them my laser focus. I’ll just be cool, calm, collected, eyes on the prize and all I need to do, and that’s all that matters. But there will be a few there anyway, so that’s going to be good either way. But again, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just stay focused.

Q. Robert or anyone with Golden Boy, how are ticket sales doing?

ROBERT GASPARRI: Ticket sales are doing very robustly. We predict a sellout in this fight. Ticket sales are strong. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but from what I hear, it’s really going well. I would think that the arena is going to be totally sold out in Jaime’s hometown.

Q. Jaime, how does that make you feel hearing from Robert that you may have a sellout down there?

JAIME MUNGUIA: It’s very exciting to know that we could have a full house. It’s a big motivation. It’s a great arena. It’s grandiose, it’s huge, down in Monterrey. So to be able to see it full would be very exciting for me, and I’m going to have all the desire and the will to make sure that we have a great fight for everyone there.

Q. Jaime, how many people pestered you to get tickets?

JAIME MUNGUIA: Haha, a lot of people.

Q. Robert, what are the plans for Jaime Munguia? Do you see him continuing to defend his title? Do you have him perhaps making big fights in another division in the future? What are the plans for Jaime Munguia?

ROBERT GASPARRI: The plan — I can speak as the CEO from Golden Boy, but Oscar and Eric and Fernando and Zanfer, we have great plans for Jaime. We’re going to sit together with everybody. We’re going to get him to the biggest fights. We’ll put him on the DAZN platform, which is the No. 1 platform for boxing. We just have — all the way to the top. He’ll fight the best, and we’ll put him in bigger arenas, and we have a lot, a lot of big plans for Jaime. And he has what it takes, so he’s exciting in the ring, and he’s able to — the fans love his style, and we’re proud to be working with him and with Zanfer, and the sky’s the limit.

Q. This question is for Dennis Hogan. How do you prepare yourself mentally, especially when there are a lot of people who perhaps don’t see you winning this fight, they’re already asking questions about Golovkin, Canelo? How do you prepare mentally for a fight when you’re maybe the underdog?

READ Munguia ready for Golovkin fight
DENNIS HOGAN: Again, I’m just always about the bigger picture. I have a dream, it’s just about following it. All these outside little — what may be a distraction to other people, they don’t even come into my brain, into my head. I don’t care. It’s only just noise. It’s just talk from other people.

My dream is very real, and I can feel it, and it’s with me. That’s all I need to do. It inspires me every day, and I go with that feeling and I give everything I have. I have a belief and a faith of what’s to come. Everything that goes on around me just means nothing. It’s just noise to me.

Q. Robert Alcazar, you’ve worked with quality level fighters such as Oscar de la Hoya and Valerio. Where would you classify Jaime Munguia among the other fighters that you have worked with?

ROBERT ALCAZAR: Without a doubt, Munguia belongs to that group of fighters you just mentioned. He’s different. No doubt he keeps working, and if he keeps working, he will accomplish whatever he wants in this sport, and I have no doubt that he belongs to that elite list. He just has to accommodate himself and we have to give him a little bit of time to be in that list, but he belongs in that list.

Q. Would you have him fight someone like a GGG?

ROBERT ALCAZAR: The decision is up to the promoter. My responsibility is to have the fighter ready so that when the promoter asks, he can deliver and he’s focused on this fight. But right now he’s focused on the task he has ahead of him, and after that we’ll think in the future about fights, but whatever names you mentioned, no doubt he can fight them.

Q. This question is for Dennis. You’re going into the lion’s den, so to speak, down in México. Do you feel a little bit of pressure or added pressure to maybe having to go for the knockout, considering that you’re going in the backyard of your opponent?

DENNIS HOGAN: To be honest, it doesn’t faze me. For me, first and foremost, it’s about winning every exchange, winning every round, and then after that, whatever happens happens. I don’t feel any pressure at all whatsoever. As I said, I have a faith and belief that my hand will be raised. I will get in there and give it everything I have, as I have in camp, and whatever will be will be. I’ve come this far on this faith and belief and my hard work, and I believe it will deliver on April 13th.

Q. We have some fans from our site that are from Australia, and they’ve mentioned something about DAZN maybe not being offered over there just yet. I don’t know how true that is or not. If so, how are your friends and family going to try to follow the fight if possible or if there is an option out there for them to watch?

DENNIS HOGAN: Well, so GBP has organized Epicenter TV. Epicenter.tv, it’s an online streaming and great quality, so that’s going to be something that everyone in Australia can watch. And I believe there’s one, maybe two stations in Ireland that’s going to show it live on TV. I believe, I’m not sure if it’s locked in 100 percent, but I believe Eir Sport will show it, and I think BoxNation may be interested, also. Just that needs to be confirmed a hundred percent. Go to the GBP Facebook page, and if you’re looking from either end, and the confirmation will be there for sure by the fight.

Q. At this level of being a world champion, how important is it to stay busy?

JAIME MUNGUIA: It is very important. We are in the big leagues now, to stay busy, to be concentrated. When you’re the world champion you have to think more. You have to do things that you didn’t do before, be more intelligent. So it’s important to stay calm and be training, so it’s very important to do that now at this level of fighting.

Q. How important is it to be the kind of world champion who’s always with the people? When I see you, you always do the most possible to be with the people, to treat them nicely, to talk to them. Not many world champions do that. Where does that come from?

JAIME MUNGUIA: It’s very important, very important for any athlete, for any person to give the adequate attention to the people, and I thank everyone. I thank all of them because it’s because of them that I am here. Without the people, we would be nothing. So I try to talk to all of them. I try to dedicate them my fights and treat them nicely because most importantly, it’s always good to be a champion who’s with the people.

ROBERT GASPARRI: Everybody, thank you so much for that. At this point, I want to thank everybody for the conference call. Let’s go over some final comments. Dennis, any final comments?

DENNIS HOGAN: Not really. You know, I just — I’d just like to express again how much I’m really looking forward to this fight, how much excitement I believe it’s going to bring to the fans for boxing and how good it’s going to be. I’m looking forward to hearing the atmosphere in México, passionate country for boxing, same as the Irish, same as the Australians, and bring it all together and we will have one great night. For that I’m really looking forward to it, and thank you to everyone for all of this. It’s much appreciated.

ROBERT GASPARRI: Jaime Munguia, would you like to make any final comments?

JAIME MUNGUIA: I’m very happy to be coming back to México. I have a great opponent in front of me, and it’s an extra motivation. So I just want to dedicate this to all the people, all the people who support me, the media that’s present here, and I want to tell everyone that I’m going to give him a great fight this April 13 at Arena Monterrey.

Munguia vs. Hogan is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World
Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

The fight between WBO Junior Middleweight titleholder Jaime Munguia and mandatory challenger Dennis Hogan was officially announced yesterday, and the April 13 card is set to take place at Arena Monterrey in Monterry, Mexico, streaming live on .

Munguia (32-0, 26 KO) will be making the fourth defense of the belt he won in May 2018 from Sadam Ali, having already turned back challenges from Liam Smith, Brandon Cook, and Takeshi Inoue, last fighting on Jan. 26 in Houston.

The 22-year-old Munguia, whose long-term future is at 160 pounds given his size at 154, will be a massive favorite against Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KO), a 34-year-old fighter born in Ireland and based in Australia. Hogan’s most notable fight to date came in 2015, when he lost a decision to Jack Culcay.

It was also reported recently that Diego De La Hoya (21-0, 10 KO) will return on the card against an opponent to be named. The 24-year-old De La Hoya will be moving up to the featherweight division after repeated trouble making weight at super bantamweight.

WBO women’s flyweight titleholder Arely Mucino (27-3-2, 10 KO) will also be in action, as well as junior flyweight Daniel Valladares (19-1, 11 KO) and featherweight Irving Turrubiartes (18-0, 12 KO). You may recall that Mucino was set to defend against two-time Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams (5-0, 3 KO) on March 8, but Adams suffered an injury in training and had to postpone the fight. 

Via https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/3/7/18254410/munguia-hogan-officially-announced-arely-mucino-to-defend-title

The World Boxing Organization has announced that a deal was reached for the mandatory fight between WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia and challenger Dennis Hogan.

Initially, the WBO called for a purse bid – which was scheduled for Monday, March 4th 2019, at 10:00 a.m. ET at the World Boxing Organization’s headquarter offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The minimum Purse Bid amount was $200,000.

But the WBO were informed on Wednesday by both parties, that a deal had been reached – and as a result the purse bid was officially canceled.

Earlier this month, the WBO gave both sides 30 days to reach an agreement.

The sides were in talks to potentially place the bout on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs card on May 4th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) fought four times in 2018. He captured the title in May with a demolition of Sadam Ali in four rounds.

He then retained the title with big wins over Liam Smith and Brandon Cook.

Munguia already fought in 2019, when he retained last month and won a tough twelve round unanimous decision over Takeshi Inoue.

He is scheduled to fight again on April 13th at the Arena Monterrey in Mexico. That return was slated to be a voluntary defense before facing Hogan in the fall.

But now it appears that Munguia’s next fight will likely be Hogan.

Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KOs) has won five in a row since losing a twelve round decision to Jack Culcay in December 2015. He saw action twice last year, with two decision wins.

http://scene.com/jaime-munguia-vs-dennis-hogan-deal-reached–136628?print_friendly=1

TO:           ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS

FROM:      LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ. (Chairman WBO Championship Committee)

DATE:      FEBRUARY 27th 2019

RE:  WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST PURSE BID CANCELLED JAIME MUNGUIA VS. DENNIS HOGAN

On Wednesday, February 27th 2019, WBO headquarter offices received email communication officially informing the WBO World Championship Committee, that an agreement was reached between representatives from both camps. In light of the foregoing, the Purse Bid scheduled for Monday, March 4th 2019, is hereby canceled. 

Any additional information, please visit our website at www.wboboxing.com or contact the WBO main office. 

WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST PURSE BID: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. DENNIS HOGAN

TO: ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS

FROM: LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ. ( Chairman WBO Championship Committee )

DATE: FEBRUARY 26th 2019

RE:  WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST PURSE BID JAIME MUNGUIA VS. DENNIS HOGAN

As per Sections 11 through 13 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests (www.wboboxing.com), and as ordered by the WBO World Championship Committee, please be advised a Purse Bid will be held on Monday, March 4th 2019, at 10:00 a.m. ET at the World Boxing Organization, headquarter offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico: 

World Boxing Organization Headquarters 1056 Muñoz Rivera Avenue Suite: 711-714 San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00927

The minimum Purse Bid amount for the WBO Jr. Middleweight is $200,000.00 US Dollars. 

In accordance with the WBO Championship Rules & Regulations, WBO President Francisco Valcárcel, Esq. will preside purse bid proceedings.  

Any additional information, please visit our website at www.wboboxing.com or contact the WBO main office. 

WBO

WBO Mandatory Jr. Middleweight Championship Title Contest Jaime Munguia vs. Dennis Hogan

To: ERIC GOMEZ GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS, FERNANDO BELTRAN ZANFER PROMOTIONS & PAUL KEEGAN DDP SPORTS 

Gentlemen:

Please be advised the parties have thirty days (30) upon receipt of this letter to negotiate and reach an agreement regarding the WBO Mandatory Jr. Middleweight Championship Contest between Jaime Munguia and Dennis Hogan, in accordance with the ruling issued by the WBO during our 31st Annual Convention held from October 28th through November 2nd 2018, in Panama City, Panama. If an accord is not reached within the time frame stated herein, a Purse Bid will be ordered pursuant to our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. 

The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Jr. Middleweight division is $200,000.00 (TwoHundred Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.

Yours truly,

Luis Batista Salas, Esq. ( Chairman WBO Championship Committee )  

Cc: Francisco Valcárcel, Esq. ( WBO President )

*Attached the document regarding the Mandatory Jr. Middleweight Championship Title Contest.

WBO Jr. Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) is in Mexico City, receiving special recognition for his sporting career from the new National Boxing Commission (CONABOX), on behalf of President Lic. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

The 22-year-old-champion is already thinking about his next fight. He is planning to return on April 13 in the city of Monterrey, apparently in the Arena Monterrey. The opponent is TBA.

As far as moving up to middleweight, Munguia said, “I think this year we can hold 154 pounds and then move up, but we have to do it carefully.”

He also recognizes that there are things that have to be improved, “I personally believe there is better learning than in fights. Experience. Rounds. Fighting. The gym is nothing more than to correct what you did wrong in the fight.”

Munguia was accompanied by his promoter Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions, who noted some similarities between Jaime and the great Erik Morales. “I feel that history is going to tell us. It would be very risky to compare him with the great boxers I’ve represented. He’s only 22 years years old. There is a lot of similarity, but I’m not doing comparison between Erik Morales and him.

“Both are from Tijuana, both won the world title at 21, the two were undefeated, the two remained undefeated, one made 11 or 12 defenses, I don’t remember, this boy has three. There is a similarity in which the two are from Tijuana, that both come from the culture of effort, both are good men, the two put the name of Mexico on high, and especially the two have a lot of guts.”

Via fightnews.com

Jaime Munguia will make the fourth defense of the World Boxing Organization junior middleweight world title on April 13 at the Arena Monterrey in Mexico against an opponent to be determined, according to his promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions.

Beltran made the announcement during the delivery of the recognition granted by the National Boxing Commission.

Munguía defeated Takeshi Inoue on Saturday night in a raging battle in Houston and in which the Mexican had to make use of his entire aresenal to come out with his hand raised.

The contest is reportedly going to be a voluntary defense, before making his mandtaory obligation against Dennis Hogan in the second half of 2019.

Beltrán highlighted the co-promoyional partnership he made with Golden Boy Promotions to take Munguía to the best possible showcase and said that his young protege reminds him of Érik Morales.

He believes that Munguia has all of the necessary qualities to rise to the same heights as Morales, who won multiple world titles and saw himself inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

“We are very proud of what Jaime has done so far. We are very happy for this surprise that our friend Miguel Torruco brought us and we are sure that Jaime is, and will be, a great ambassador for Mexico,” said the Tijuana promoter to ESPN Deportes.

“Jaime has reminded us of the great Érik Morales. The two are from difficult colonies in Tijuana, the two were crowned at age 21, the two undefeated and I see in Jaime a great future as we saw with Erik.

Beltrán revealed that if Munguia wins on April 13, he would love to see the hard puncher fight on the undercard of Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez’s next ring appearance in September. Canelo will first return on May 4th, in a WBC, WBA, IBF middleweight unification against Daniel Jacobs at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

https://www.boxingscene.com/jaime-munguia-defend-on-april-13-arena-monterrey–135824