By Norm Frauenheim –

Jaime Munguia fought his way into the argument with a dramatic stoppage of John Ryder that transforms him into another option for Canelo Alvarez and another potential source of frustration for David Benavidez.

Where all of this leaves Benavidez is still anybody’s guess. For now, at least, he’s where he’s always been.

Waiting, waiting for a shot that he demands and deserves, yet one that continues to be as elusive as ever.

In the here and now, he’s boxing’s version of Florida State. Unbeaten, yet still left without a chance at winning the biggest prize in the crowded super-middleweight division. Fair? Of course, not. But fair is a quaint notion in boxing, college football, politics and life. It’s just another bloody nose. If you want fair, play checkers.

In this game, protect yourself at all times, because a cheap shot is always lurking.

That brings us to Jermall Charlo. By all accounts, he is the leading possibility for Canelo’s next fight, projected to be on May 4. In his promotional role in behalf of Munguia, Oscar De La Hoya said last Saturday after the four-knockdown TKO of Ryder in Phoenix – Benavidez’ hometown – that he expects Canelo to fight Charlo next.

By now, I guess nobody should be surprised. Canelo fought a Charlo, Jermell, in his last fight in September. The plan had been for him to fight Jermall. Then, however, Jermell got the date, apparently because his twin brother still needed time to recover from some reported mental-health issues.

Jermell or Jermall, it was a dud. Jermell, a junior-middleweight champion, was just there to collect a paycheck. It says here that in the ring the only difference between Jermell and Jermall is a vowel and a few pounds. The rumored fight in May figures to be a repeat.

Put it this way: Before Canelo, Jermell had never fought at super-middleweight. Neither has Jermall, who in his last fight won a unanimous decision, yet couldn’t stop Jose Benavidez Jr., David’s older brother and a former junior welterweight and welterweight. Before beating the smaller Jose Jr., Jermall blew off a contracted catchweight, 163 pounds. He was more than three pounds too heavy.

Here’s the question: From resume to weight, on what scale does this Charlo merit a shot Canelo? Munguia is more worthy. He blew out Ryder, a respected contender whom Canelo failed to stop. Munguia won a narrow decision at 168 pounds over Sergiy Derevyanchenko last June in the Fight of the Year.

Then, there’s Benavidez, who has been at super-middleweight his whole career. He’s unbeaten and unique in that he’s a two-time former World Boxing Council champion. He lost those titles, once for testing positive for cocaine and then for failing to make weight. In a sign of his growing maturity, he was nominated for 2023 Fighter of the Year. 

On any scale, his resume outweighs Jermall Charlo’s, in credibility, especially among fans who have been calling for Benavidez-Canelo for a couple years.

Benavidez is also designated as the WBC’s mandatory challenger to Canelo, the undisputed champion. He has been since November. But the WBC has yet to do anything to enforce that mandatory.

Eddie Hearn, Ryder’s promoter, summed it up best a week ago in Phoenix when asked by 15 Rounds whether the mandatory designation means anything.

“Not really, especially if you’re Canelo Alvarez,’’ Hearn said in a wry, spot-on comment.

Meanwhile, there are other circumstances that could leave Benavidez waiting, or maybe moving up to light heavyweight. It’s no coincidence perhaps that people around light-heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev are already starting to talk about Benavidez, whose manager, Sampson Lewkowicz, says will probably fight somebody sometime this spring, perhaps in May.

It’s almost as if Canelo looks at Benavidez and sees a light-heavyweight, anyway. He’s shown about as much real interest in facing Benavidez as he has in a rematch with light-heavy champ Dmitry Bivol. 

After Bivol upset him in May 2022, Canelo initially vowed he would avenge the scorecard loss. He talked about a rematch. That’s all he did. It never happened.

According to Bivol’s management, there were never any substantive negotiations for a rematch. 

Still, stories continue to circulate about Benavidez and Bivol sparring a couple of years ago. According to Benavidez, he got the best of Bivol.

Has Canelo decided that neither is in his future? Maybe.

Meanwhile, the Beterbiev corner is hearing the same stories that everyone else is. According to multiple reports – still speculative, Canelo plans to follow a Charlo bout in May with a catchweight date against undisputed welterweight champion and pound-for-pound No.1 Terence Crawford in September.

The possibility has been circulating in social media for months. Now, there’s doubt about whether Crawford will ever fight Errol Spence in a contracted rematch.

Spence, who got blown out by Crawford in a July stunner, is coming off cataract surgery. He’s undergone two eye surgeries – one on each eye – within the last three years. Without Spence, where does Crawford go? There’s talk of Boots Ennis. Maybe, Tim Tszyu at junior middleweight, Maybe Jermell Charlo.

At 36, however, maybe it’s time for Crawford to cash out. There’s no better way to do that than in an event sure to attract the so-called crossover crowd against the 33-year-old Canelo, whose legacy among Mexican fans is probably secure regardless of whether he fights Benavidez or just continues to duck him.

PHOENIX — A statement was demanded.

Statement delivered.

Jaime Munguia did what Canelo Alvarez could not. He stopped a tough, smart John Ryder Saturday night in a super-middleweight fight that was a test of Munguia’s potential.

There’s plenty of that, perhaps enough for him to land a Canelo fight projected to be in May. It’s all up to Canelo, whose pay-per-view clout and celebrity comes with a perk. He does what he wants to.

It’s anybody’s guess as to whether he wants the Munguia that 10,836 fans at Footprint Center saw against Ryder, whose corner threw in the towel at 1:25 of the ninth round.

“It would be an honor to be in the same ring with him,’’ Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) said when asked the inevitable Canelo question.

Canelo or not, there’s one thing certain about Munguia, a 27-year-old fighter from Tijuana. He stepped out of the ring with enhanced credibility.

He’s a player, a proven threat at 168 pounds. Put him alongside David Benavidez, David Morrell, Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo.

“I was ready for this,’’ he said. “I knew I was ready for this.’’

He knew more than just about anybody other than his Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach. Roach predicated Munguia would win an eighth-round TKO. Roach missed by only a round.

Munguia did it with four knockdowns of Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs), a 35-year-old fighter who faces some tough question about whether his career has come to end.

Munguia knocked down Ryder in the second with a body shot that left a nasty red mark Ryder’s right side. He knocked down the UK fighter again in the fourth with successive left hands.

Then, there was the ninth. There was a right to the top head. Ryder was down for a third time. Then another blow to the head. Ryder was down for a fourth time. The towel soon followed, a sign of surrender for Ryder and the beginning of a second chapter for the emerging Munguia.

 Minimum Weight, Max Power: Oscar Collazo retains title 

It’s called minimum. Somehow, that isn’t quite fair to Oscar Collazo.

Maximum is more like it.

Collazo, the World Boxing Organization’s minimum weight champion flashed max power, knocking Reyneris Gutierrez, into the ropes and then flat on the canvas before the referee interceded and stopped it for third-round TKO Saturday night on the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder featured card at Footprint Center.

First, it was a huge right hand form Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) that drove Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) into the ropes. If not for those ropes, The Nicaraguan would have tumbled out of the ring, over the work table and onto the floor. Then, it was a left hand from the Puerto Rican. This time, no ropes were in the way. Gutierrez hit the deck. Moments later, it was over, a TKO:at 37 seconds of the third.

Darius Fulghum  wins a unanimously-booed dud

It was a fight full of clinches, missed punches, rabbit punches, boos  and more boos. There was even the wave.

Just when you thought it was extinct, Darius Fulghum and Alantez Fox brought it back. That’s how bad their super-middleweight fight was on the DAZN-streamed undercard for the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder mnin event at Footprint Center Saturday night.

The booing started in the second round. It got louder, even louder, until a near capacity crowd just bored. It started doing the wave. Yeah, that wave. Hands up, stand up and sit down, going from section to section in an undulating ring around the arena. Hey, it was better than watching the fight.

By the way, Fulghum (10-, 9 KOs), of Houston, won it, scoring a majority

 decision over Fox (28-6-1, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro MD. 

Not so sweet stoppage

Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora 12-0 (9KOs) made her first women’s IBF Flyweight title defense VS Christina Cruz 6-0. The fight was a battle of the sweet science of hit but not get hit, no one fighter looked dominate in the match. One fighter did control the ring through out the fight and was more active with her combinations and stunning her opponent. Fundora was using her ring IQ to cut off the ring and edging out the rounds in her favor in a very close fight. More over as the championship rounds rolled along Gabriela showed the heart of a warrior and took the fight over effortlessly out boxing Cruz. With less than a minute left in the 10th and final round referee Chris Flores stepped in and called a end to the fight in a controversial fashion. Cruz was not hurt and was simply walking away with her guard up still  defending herself. Visibly upset Cruz pleaded her case of why it should not have been stopped with some ringside having it a drawing going into the final round. Coming out on top and staying undefeated Fundora moves to 13-0 (10KOs) in a post fight interview Fundora praised Cruz “Cruz is a good fighter and glad she stepped up” also “I looked to her because she was an olympian and had a picture on my wall as a kid” ending her statement by saying “Cruz is an amazing fighter and it was an honor to share the ring”. When asked about the stoppage Fundora stated “I unleashed on her, and she turned around indicating she no longer wanted to fight”

One can only ask if she deserves a rematch or does the co-promotions between Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Promotion look to set up a fight for undisputed later this year, Seemingly the road block to undisputed is Marlen Esparza who holds the other 3 tittle and has an upcoming fight that she can not look past herself. Just as her smile, the future is bright for the undefeated fighter of Coachella, CA….David Galaviz

David Picasso scores unanimous decision in U.S. debut

David Picasso wasn’t looking for a masterpiece. 

Just a victory.

He got it.

In his first appearance in the United States, Picasso, an unbeaten featherweight from Mexico City, scored repeatedly early, tired midway, then held on and held off Erik Ruiz in the late rounds.

All of it was enough for Picasso (27-0-1, 15 KOs) to secure a unanimous  decision over Ruiz (17-10-1, 7 KOs), a fighter from Oxnard, Calif., who from round to round got more aggressive in a 10-rounder in the first DAZN-streamed fight on the Munguia-Ryder card at Footprint Center.

Daniel Garcia scores crushing first round stoppage

It was over before a lot of arriving fans ever got to their seats.

Daniel Garcia finished the non-DAZN portion of the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder card in a flash at Footprint Center. Daniel Lugo may have seen it coming. But he couldn’t do much about it.

Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs), an unbeaten  lightweight from Denver, sent a right hand flying over the edge of  Lugo’s upraised gloves. Boom, it landed, crashing off Lugo’s chin and driving his head up and around. By the time some fans looked up, it was over.

Lugo (4-2, 1 KO), of Phoenix was down and out, a stoppage loser at 1:51 of the first round.

Gregory Morales scores unanimous decision, rocks Ron and the crowd

In the third bout of the night Gregory Morales (15-1, 9KOs) of San Antonio, TX faced Ronal Ron (14-4 ,11KOs) in a super featherweight fight 

In a  feel-out first round both fighters saved all their energy for the last 20 seconds of the round with both having success landing punches. It picked right back up in the second. However as the round came to an end, Morales showed head movement and landed some crisp punches. In the theme of the fight, Morales and Ron saved all the excitement for the end of the round. They got the crowd a little excited. There were theatrics coming from Ron. He spit his mouth piece out around the 2:20 mark. A few second later, he was warned about a head butt. The pace of the round had significantly picked up, with both fighters finding their rhythm and timing. Ron was briefly stunned early in the 5th round by a well placed left from Morales.

 As the crowd started chanting “Goyo”, it gave Morales extra motivation, landing a few lefts directly to the chin of Ron. 

A left hook by Morales landed. Over the last three rounds, Morales picked up the production of his pace and dazed his opponent with a multitude of punches. The last round served as the best round for Morales as he landed some great combos that made the crowd get even loader. Morales improved to 16-1 (9KOs), scoring a unanimous decision. In fight that brought the crowd to its fight in the final round.the crowd a good fight. —–David Galaviz

Toe-to-Toe: Gael Cabrera scores knockdown wins decision in tough bout

It was power against resilience.

Gael Cabrera, a Mexican featherweight from Sonora — just south of Arizona, had the power. He needed it, all of it to win. 

Miguel Ceballos, one of two AZ fighters on the Munguia-Ryder card, had the resilience, almost enough of it to score an upset.

But the power prevailed. A straight right hand from Cabrera (4-0, 3 KOs) put Ceballos down in the first round. Then, Cabrera held on, withstanding repeated bursts of energy from Ceballos (2-1, 2 KOs), of Peoria AZ.  Cabrera appeared to tire, but he still had enough power in both hands to keep Ceballos off him. The result: Cabrera won a unanimous decision in a hard-fought fight.

First Bell: Munguia-Ryder card begins with a quick stoppage

It should have been a matinee. But Jonathan Canas turned it into a short subject.

Canas, a lightweight from Santa Ana CA, needed only 64 seconds to finish Kameeko Hall in the opening bout Saturday afternoon on the card featuring Jaime Mungia-John Ryder at Footprint Center.

Canas, still perfect with three knockouts in three fights, delivered a body-to-head combo that put Hall, a winless fighter from Brunswick GA, onto one knee. It was the body shot that hurt him the most. When Hall (0-4) tried to get onto his feet, he got sick to his stomach. At 1:04 of the first, it was over for everybody but the maintenance crew. It had to clean up the mess.

By Norm Frauenheim –

PHOENIX – Jaime Munguia stepped off the scale, the Mexican flag behind him and Mexican fans in front of him. He waved at his mom. He heard the cheers. Acknowledged the chants.

It was a moment that almost looked as if it had been rehearsed. In some ways, it had been. It was a mock weigh-in, a ceremonial replica of what had happened at the real weigh-in for the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission Friday morning.

The afternoon version at Footprint Center was strictly for show, a show that belonged to Munguia, an emerging fighter who promoter Oscar De La Hoya says is poised to become the new face of Mexican boxing.

“This is my year,’’ Munguia said.

A stone-faced John Ryder, tough in the ring and tougher to read outside of it, might have something to say about that.

An upset? Would it surprise you? It was a question asked more for the crowd that was there, and is expected to be there in even bigger numbers for the main event’s opening bell on a DAZN-streamed card Saturday (8 p.m. ET/6 p.m.) That crowd would be shocked.

Ryder?

“No, I wouldn’t be,’’ he said. “That’s the plan, isn’t it?’’

The betting odds, about 3-to-1 for Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs), suggest that Ryder’s plan hasn’t got much of a chance.

The 27-year-old Munguia has the fresh-faced look of a kid. He’s about seven years younger than the bearded Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs), a 35-year-old UK fighter whose scars are either a sign of erosion or the mark of a hardened combat veteran’s knowhow.

The guess – and that’s all it is – is that Munguia has the energy that comes with youth. But Ryder has experience, including 12 punishing rounds against Canelo Alvarez in front 51,000 Canelo partisans in Guadalajara.

Ryder got a scorecard loss and a broken nose. But he left Canelo with a face swollen and marked up, leaving an unmistakable message that Ryder – a survivor — figures to be there, a stubborn test to Munguia’s aspirations.

On Friday, at least, there wasn’t an ounce of difference between them. On the scale, they were identical, 167.8 pounds each.

Munguia’s corner envisions a knockout. De La Hoya hopes Munguia can do what Canelo couldn’t. A knockout of Ryder, De La Hoya says, would be a statement that says Munguia deserves a chance to fight Canelo, perhaps in May.

Munguia’s skillset and discipline are enough to pull off the stoppage, says his new trainer, Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, who replaces Tijuana legend Erik Morales.

After Roach’s many years of watching and working with great fighters at Los Angeles’ Wild Card Gym, he looks at Munguia and sees some of Hall-of-Famer Virgil Hill, one of the great light-heavyweights who was known for resilience and a tireless work ethic.

“Jaime works as hard as anybody,’’ said Roach, who foresees Munguia winning an eighth-round stoppage. “In this training camp, he took only one day off.’’

He did, Roach said, only because his family was celebrating the birth of a baby.

That disciplined regimen could counter Ryder’s dogged nature in a way that produces a gritty classic.

“Ryder always goes forward,’’ said Fernando Beltran, Munguia’s promoter/manager. “Jaime Munguia doesn’t know how to go backwards.’’

That’s a collision, if not a classic.

Will it make a difference in terms of what Canelo does next? On Friday, there was no answer to that. Just more speculation. Jermall Charlo has been mentioned as a Canelo possibility There’s still talk about pound-for-pound No. 1 and undisputed welterweight champ Terence Crawford in a catchweight against Canelo.

And, above all, there’s David Benavidez, a Phoenix-born fighter who first began boxing at a gym, Central, just a few blocks from the Footprint Center. Benavidez is expected to be at ringside. He’s unbeaten and a two-time ex-champ at super-middle. He’s also designated as the World Boxing Council’s mandatory challenger for the WBC piece of Canelo’s undisputed crown.

In specific terms of when or even how Benavidez’ mandatory designation turns into a real fight is still open to a lot of speculation.

Does mandatory mean much?

“Not really, especially if you’re Canelo Alvarez,’’ said Eddie Hearn who has promoted Canelo and is in Phoenix in behalf of Ryder.

It was a wry, spot-on comment from the Matchroom promoter. Canelo’s pay-per-view numbers come with some perks. To wit: He gets what he wants.

Maybe, he’ll see something he wants in Munguia-Ryder. From his perspective, it’s a must-see fight. Maybe even mandatory.

By Norm Frauenheim –

PHOENIX – Hostile crowds, long odds are nothing new to John Ryder. He’s gone where few fighters ever have.

Last May, it was Guadalajara, Canelo Alvarez’ hometown. Canelo had not fought there in 12 years. He was welcomed back, a warrior-king and the face of Mexican boxing.

Ryder was there, almost as an after-thought or maybe as a target.

But the after-thought had plenty to say. He fought back. He endured 12 punishing rounds, doggedly eluding the stoppage Canelo pursued.

He didn’t win the fight.

“But I kind of won the night,’’ said Ryder, who joked at a news conference Thursday that if he could have done anything different he would have avoided the uppercuts that bloodied his nose and set him up for a fifth-round knockdown.

But if survival is a victory, Ryder won despite one-sided cards and a one-sided crowd.

It’s an experience, perhaps, that has prepared him for the emerging Jaime Munguia in more way than Munguia knows.

For Ryder, there’s nothing that compares to what he faced in Guadalajara.

In Phoenix however, there are some similarities. The Footprint Center crowd figures to be dominated by Mexican and Mexican-American fans. It’ll be a Munguia crowd, one that knows him from his days in Tijuana. He’s 42-0, a middleweight champion fighting for the second time at 168 pounds.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said at Thursday’s newser that he’s “poised to become the next face of Mexican boxing.’’

Munguia is also the betting favorite, 3-to-1.

It’s almost as if Ryder is there as a steppingstone in the plan for Munguia’s next step to stardom, perhaps an all-Mexican encounter with Canelo in May.

“Possibly,’’ Ryder said. “But it’s at their own cost.’’

Ryder, a UK fighter making his first visit to Phoenix, concedes he’s facing a tough challenge. There’s pressure, too, more perhaps than what’s facing Munguia. Ryder is 35 years old. He says his career hinges on what happens Saturday in a DAZN-streamed fight (8 pm ET/6 pm AZ time).

“I need to keep my career on a high level, he said. “This is the fight to keep it going on.’’

PHOENIX, AZ (January 25, 2024): In the lead up to what has the potential to become a Fight of the Year candidate, undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K hosted a press conference today ahead of their 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title. The event is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST/ 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the co-main event, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Minimumweight World Championship title against Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua in a 12-round fight. Also on the DAZN Broadcast, knockout superstar in-the-making Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Super Middleweight Title against the crafty Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round contest. Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California will defend her newly minted hardware in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Mexico City’s David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs) of Oxnard, California.

On the preliminary card that will stream live on Golden Boy Boxing’s YouTube, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will participate in a six-round lightweight match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Daniel Lugo (4-1, 1 KOs). Gregory Morales (15-1, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will challenge Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. In a four-round bantamweight, former Mexican Olympian Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (3-0, 2 KOs) will measure up against Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) of Peoria, Arizona . Opening the fight night festivities with a four-round bantamweight fight, Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will face Kameeko Hall (0-3) of Brunswick, Georgia.

Here is what some of today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WBO WORLD SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“Good afternoon to all. First of all, and again, thank you to Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Beltran and Eddie Hearn. I want to thank everybody for being here, and thanks to Freddie Roach and Wildcard Boxing Gym. This was a great camp for all of us. It’s going to help me keep moving forward to achieve my goals. I know that John Ryder is a tough fighter. He has lost and he has won close fights, but I’m ready. I’m ready to do this on Saturday. Y que viva Mexico!”

JOHN RYDER, FORMER WBO INTERIM SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“Firstly, thank you to Eddie and Matchroom, and Oscar, Golden Boy and Zanfer for making this happen. It’s been a fight long in the pipeline and I’m glad we’re fighting. It’s a fight I feel like I needed since the Canelo defeat, and I want to continue operating at the level I’ve been operating at. This is the fight to kick me on, and push me in my career.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
“I said it three weeks ago, and I’ll say it again. The future is today for a bunch of Golden Boy fighters. This Saturday, the whole world stands in front of Jaime Munguia. If he can win: championship fights, PPV stardom and a place on the pound for pound list are all in reach. And right behind him, the same situation is there for Vergil Ortiz, Ryan Garcia, William Zepeda and many more in the Golden Boy stable.”
FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF ZANFER BOXING:
“John Ryder is a great fighter. He always comes forward and doesn’t go backwards. I’m very happy to be involved. I really believe that the real winner is going to be the audience watching the fight. They are the real winners.”
EDDIE HEARN, CHAIRMAN OF MATCHROOM SPORT:
“Congratulations to Oscar, Bernard, Golden Boy and DAZN, who I believe are now established as the global home of boxing. Now this Saturday, we have a big fight card in Belfast in Northern Ireland and then you’ll be switching over to here in Phoenix, Arizona for a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender with Jaime Munguia against John Ryder. When you look at the schedule, DAZN is constantly delivering worldwide, and is unrivaled second to none.”

#

Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. Collazo vs. Gutierrez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Minimumweight World Championship presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Fundora vs. Cruz is a 10-round fight for the IBF Female Flyweight World Championship and is presented in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

By Norm Frauenheim –

PHOENIX – Oscar De La Hoya, already busy promoting a real fight between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder, found himself addressing questions Thursday about reports of another one in what looks to be a further episode in an ongoing feud.

The news conference was about Munguia-Ryder, a significant super-middleweight fight Saturday night on the Suns home floor at Footprint Center.

The buzz was about Ryan Garcia.

De La Hoya-Garcia, a social-media soap opera even before Twitter became X, took a confusing turn late Wednesday and early Thursday.

The brief version – if only there was one – goes something like this: Garcia was fighting Rolly Romero. Then, he wasn’t.

Sounds simple enough, and maybe it would be, pre-social media. But it isn’t. Ryan Garcia is a social media star. He needs a census to count his followers.

And they were talking late Wednesday, first about a Garcia post that said he would be fighting Mexican junior-welterweight champion Rolly Romero on April 20.

Hours later, ESPN reported that Romero was fighting Isaac Cruz on March 30 in Las Vegas. Can you hear the buzz?

De La Hoya did, and he addressed the inevitable after a news conference that included a theme about promotional unity in The Boxing Balkans.

From De La Hoya’s perspective, there’s no feud with Garcia, at least not in what transpired this week.

“A lot is happening,’’ De La Hoya said after the formal Munguia-Ryder news conference concluded. “Look, me and Ryan are on a united front. We are going to get his fight, done and sealed. And I will announce it when it is done.

“I do know for sure it will be April 20 in Las Vegas. But no names.’’

No opponent, yet. The only sure thing is that it won’t be Romero, the World Boxing Association’s 140-pound champion.

“There were negotiations that took place,’’ De La Hoya said. “But nothing in writing.’’

De La Hoya went on to say that the Romero-Cruz fight on Amazon Prime – the first since it struck a deal with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) — could set up Garcia’s second fight in 2024.

“It turns out, the winner of the Rolly-Isaac Cruz fight could be in the Ryan Garcia lottery for the next fight.’’  

Unity, however, wasn’t exactly the message delivered by Garcia when he reacted to the ESPN news Thursday.

“Look I was informed the deal was finalizing and it would be announced in the coming days,’’ Garcia posted on X.  “Obviously That was a lie. My patience has been tested the last few weeks. I’m trying my best to be as honest and real as I can to you guys. I’ll be looking forward to announcing my next fight. I’m not going to say anything until it’s actually signed and delivered

 I still look forward to putting on a big PPV for Dazn Boxing. Have a Blessed day.’’

A blessed day, at least for some, would be the simple sound of an opening bell, a sound that for awhile might silence the back-and-forth on social media.

That, at least, is an opinion long held by the old-school, no nonsense Bernard Hopkins, a minority partner in De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions who is as direct with his words as he was with his deadly punches during his Hall of Fame days as The Executioner.

“I don’t control social media, so I don’t know what’s going on,’’ Hopkins said at the Phoenix newser. “Is there a fight or not? I don’t know.

“But I do know – and I’ll say it again – I’m sick of the drama queens.

“We as promoters, along with the fans, have to make it clear that we’re not putting up with this anymore. Last year, we started coming back to where we have to be.

“There was Ryan-Tank (Gervonta Davis) in April. People watched. More than 1.2 million watched. Then, there was Terence Crawford and Errol Spence. That was the second fight that said we’re coming back with what people want to see.

“But now we’re in a tug-of-war.’’

A war to keep it real.

By Norm Frauenheim –

The map is changing. More gloves and heavy bags are tagged for Riyadh than Vegas these days. But one path remains unchanged.

All roads still lead to Canelo Alvarez, or at least the money he still generates.

That continues to be part of the geography in an intriguing super-middleweight fight Jan. 27 between Jamie Munguia and John Ryder on the Suns home floor at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

A projected date with Canelo is said to be at stake for the emerging Munguia, a middleweight champion who is 1-0 at super-middle with a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in June.

For Ryder, maybe there’s a possibility at a rematch. He lost a decision to Canelo last May in Guadalajara in what looked to be a Canelo tune-up last May.

“I lost the fight, but I kind of won the night,’’ Ryder told reporters this week of his dogged ability to withstand Canelo’s pursuit of a KO.

Canelo, at least the possibility, was the primary question at a media day staged at the new Golden Boy Boxing Gym in Los Angeles Tuesday.

Munguia didn’t sidestep the question. Neither did Ryder.

“It is the obvious question everybody is asking,’’ said Munguia, a 27-year-old who possesses poise and enough smarts to also know he has to impress against the tough, experienced Ryder.

Munguia promoter of Oscar De La Hoya is talking about a knockout of Ryder. The reasoning is simple. Canelo couldn’t knock out Ryder in his hometown. If Munguia can do what Canelo couldn’t, the thinking is that Munguia will have an argument, a good reason to say he should fight Canelo next.

We’ve heard that one before, of course. We’ve heard it for at least two years from David Benavidez, who figures to be a very big part of the story that unfolds next week in Phoenix.

Munguia-Ryder will happen just a few miles of roadwork from the Phoenix streets where Benavidez grew up and just a couple of blocks from where he began boxing at Central, an old gym that was saved from the wrecking ball by Mike Tyson.

Tyson’s arrival nearly two decades ago brought money and fighters. Central sprung from the ashes, a lot like that mythical bird, the Phoenix logo and namesake. 

It’s no coincidence, perhaps, that Tyson is also Benavidez’ biggest fan. He gave him his current nickname, Monster. It takes one to know one, maybe.

But Benavidez, who lives in Seattle these days, will be an inevitable part of the discussion, if not a crowd that knew him as a kid.

Benavidez is the World Boxing Council’s interim 168-pound champion and its mandatory challenger for the WBC’s piece of Canelo’s undisputed title. But interim and mandatory can mean just about anything, especially when Canelo is in the equation.

He gets what he wants.

Fights who he wants.

A key question, still unanswered, is exactly what Canelo is thinking. We don’t know. Since his solid decision over Jermell Charlo in September, the last anybody has seen of Canelo is on the cover of Forbes magazine. Follow the money.

The decision, perhaps, as to who he’ll fight next will be determined by what he sees in the Munguia-Ryder fight, which will be streamed by DAZN

For months, the conventional thinking is that Canelo will fight in May and again in September. He has two more fights left on a contract signed with PBC (Premier Boxing Champions).

But there’s been no news on PBC’s plans for 2024. Showtime left boxing in December after a 37-year run of telecasts. It was announced then that Amazon Prime had struck a deal with PBC.

Reportedly, the deal would start sometime in March. Thus far, however, there’s been nothing concrete — bouts and dates — from PBC or Amazon Prime.

Maybe, they’re waiting to see what happens in Munguia-Ryder, too.

Munguia promises that they’ll see plenty.

 “I honestly feel like I can knock John Ryder out,’’ Munguia said. “That’s what we are working towards. Obviously, once you step inside the ring anything can change. But we’re training to get inside the ring in optimal condition, and if we can’t get the knockout we will be making sure we get the decision.”

Ryder promises something else.

“Munguia, obviously, is coming to use me as a stepping stone,’’ he told reporters. “I have other plans.’’

Munguia-Ryder Undercard

Strawweight champion Oscar Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs), a 27-year-old Puerto Rican, faces Nicaraguan contender Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs), Golden Boy announced this week.

“With less than a week away for my second world title defense, I feel great and at my best moment,” said Collazo, who will defend his World Boxing Organization belt for the second time. “As always, we are very prepared and focused on what we are going to do and leave the ring with our hand raised.”

Collazo is promoted by fellow Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, a Hall of Famer and former four-division champion.

Also:

Super middleweight Darius Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs), of Houston, faces Alantez Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro MD, in a 10-rounder.

Women’s flyweight champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella CA, will make a first title defense against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs), of Fort Lauderdale Fl. Fundora signed a co-promotional deal with Golden Boy this week.

Mexican junior-featherweight David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will face Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs), of Oxnard CA, in a 10-rounder.

Oscar Valdez Jr. comeback

It sounds as if Oscar Valdez Jr.’s comeback might begin where he suffered a crushing loss in his last bout. 15 Rounds has confirmed news – first reported by ESPN – that Valdez, who lost a punishing decision to Emanuel Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ on Aug. 12, might be back at the same venue on March 29 against Australian Wilson.

Wilson, who lost a controversial TKO to Navarrete at Desert Diamond last February, is talking as if it’s already a done deal.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Wilson told The Ring Wednesday. “We’re both fighters who like to come forward and love to fight. “We both bring a high intensity, and with him being a Mexican warrior, it’s going to be a war from the opening bell.’’

As of Wednesday, however, Valdez was still under medical suspension for his loss to Navarrete, who left him with a badly-bloodied right eye. The bout also was not listed on the Desert Diamond Arena calendar.

Valdez, a former featherweight and junior-lightweight champion, has strong roots in Arizona. The two-time Mexican Olympian went to school in Tucson. His comeback plans have been evident for weeks. Last month, he posted photos of himself back at work in the gym.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (January 17, 2024) – Golden Boy Promotions has assembled a knockout undercard – including two, world championship defenses and scheduled performances of the next generation of top talent – for the main event clash between undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. The 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title is presented in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing and will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST/ 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the co-main event, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Minimumweight World Championship title against Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Scheduled for 12-rounds, Collazo is returning to the ring after a dazzling, knockout victory over Garen Diagan in front of his hometown crowd in Puerto Rico.

“With less than a week away for my second world title defense, I feel great and at my best moment,” said Oscar Collazo. “As always, we are very prepared and focused on what we are going to do on January 27 and leave the ring with our hand-raised. We have a good plan in place like all our previous fights, and we are ready to entertain in front of the people of Arizona, Puerto Rico, and on DAZN. Thank you, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for the opportunity to be on such a big card featuring a spectacular main event between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder.”

On the DAZN Broadcast, knockout superstar in-the-making Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Super Middleweight Title against the crafty Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round contest. Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California will defend her newly minted hardware in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Mexico City’s David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs) of Oxnard, California.

On the preliminary card, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will participate in a six-round lightweight match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Daniel Lugo (4-1, 1 KOs). Gregory Morales (15-1, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will challenge Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. In a four-round bantamweight, former Mexican Olympian Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (3-0, 2 KOs) will measure up against Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) of Peoria, Arizona . Opening the fight night festivities with a four-round bantamweight fight, Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will face Oakland, California’s William Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO).

#

Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. Collazo vs. Gutierrez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Minimumweight World Championship presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Fundora vs. Cruz is a 10-round fight for the IBF Female Flyweight World Championship and is presented in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2023):The undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K inaugurated the newly built Golden Boy Boxing Gym with a media workout for their upcoming 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title. The event is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WBO WORLD SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I began to train with Freddie Roach because he is an excellent trainer and has an incredible roster of current and former world champions he has worked with on an international level. It was a great decision to integrate our teams together.”

“I feel very good right now. I feel very strong, and I feel like this has been one of the best training camps I have had. It has helped me very much to be here in Los Angeles with Freddie, and it has encouraged me to keep my eyes focused on the job at hand and I believe we are going to make it to fight week in excellent condition. I feel like the fans will get to enjoy one of my best performances yet.”

“I honestly feel like I can knock John Ryder out. That’s what we are working towards. Obviously, once you step inside the ring anything can change. But we’re training to get inside the ring in optimal condition, and if we can’t get the knockout we will be making sure we get the decision.”

JOHN RYDER, FORMER WBO INTERIM SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“I’ve got two young children and a wonderful partner, so it’s not ideal being away in Los Angeles to train, but we have to make these sacrifices.”

“I want to go in there and make a statement. I’m here for a good time, not a long time, so I want the biggest of names and that’s the level that I want to be able to maintain – to make the biggest fights I possibly can make.”

“What better way to come back after the Canelo fight than with a headlining show in the United States against a top talent like Jaime Munguia?”

“I’m a different fighter now from when I fought Canelo. I believe I learned a lot about myself. I wish I could have had that type of fight 10-years ago. You learn a lot about yourself, your desires and how deep the fire burns. But, I am here now and the fire is still churning!”

#

Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing and Zanfer Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today a co-promotional deal with Sampson Boxing for 21-year-old IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs). Fundora is scheduled to defend her IBF title against Christina Cruz on the DAZN broadcast for Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder on Saturday, January 27.

“I am ready and prepared for my first title defense and I feel like nothing can stop me from winning,” said Gabriela Fundora. “Christina Cruz is a good fighter, but I am building my legacy as a champion and no one can stop me.”
“We were blown away by Gabriela’s performance in October, and are proud to have yet another world champion fighting under the Golden Boy banner,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “At just 21 years old, the sky’s the limit for her and I fully expect her to deliver a knockout performance in Phoenix on January 27.”

“Gabriela Fundora is an amazing talent who works non-stop in the gym to reach her dreams,” said co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “They say once you win a championship, confidence makes you an even better fighter, which is bad news for Christina Cruz. I’m looking forward to a sensational performance from boxing’s newest female star, “Sweet Poison,” Gabriela Fundora.”

A force to be reckoned with as one of the youngest of the current female world champions, at only 21-years-old Fundora has impressed fans and media alike. She was last seen in front of her native Southern California fans on October 21, 2023 at the Kia Forum, where she was able to stop and steal the IBF title from veteran champion Arely Muciño. Representing the Coachella Valley, Fundora comes from a highly respected boxing family. Having begun boxing at six-years old, she joined the professional ranks in 2021 with an unanimous decision victory over Jazmin Valverde. She went on to secure the WBC Latino Flyweight title on October 8, 2022 against Naomi Arellano Reyes and the WBC Youth World Fly Tania Garcia Hernandez on February 23, 2023.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.

John Ryder believes he’s in with another top-level fighter in Jaime Munguia at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday January 27, live worldwide on DAZN – but says that the unbeaten Mexican has weaknesses he can exploit.

Ryder spoke to the Matchroom Boxing Podcast about facing Munguia, training over Christmas and what he took from taking on Mexican megastar Canelo Alvarez – listen here
Ryder (32-6 18 KOs) is back in action following his courageous effort against Canelo Alvarez in Guadalajara, Mexico in September, where the Brit faced the Mexican ace in front of over 60,000 fans and won them over with his gutsy performance against the undisputed 168lb king. Ryder now heads to Phoenix for what promises to be another thrilling battle against a Mexican star, this time with unbeaten former Super-Welterweight king and defending WBC Silver Super-Middleweight champion Munguia (42-0 33 KOs).

The 27 year old thrilled fight fans in his last outing, a fight of the year rollercoaster in Ontario, California with battle-hardened Sergiy Derevyanchenko in June, with a 12^th round knockdown proving the difference for Munguia seeing off the Ukrainian in. Ryder knows that his January 27 foe is eyeing up his own clash with Canelo, but ‘The Gorilla’ believes Derevyanchenko exposed flaws in Munguia’s game that he can expose and use to pull off a second victory on American soil.

“Jaime won fight of the year last year and I am sure that this fight can be a candidate for fight of the year for 2024,” said Ryder. “He’s got an unbelievable record, 42-0, and he’s got the carrot being dangled of the Canelo fight, like I had against Zach Parker. That adds pressure, you know that is potentially next, so you have to go out there and produce, so it’s down to him now. I’ve had my shot at Canelo, I doubt I’ll get another one if I beat Munguia, but that is the aim, to be in the biggest and best fights possible. 

“I rate him, I think his record is not padded but he’s been well maneuvered, his last fight with Sergiy he showed some vulnerabilities, he’s made a trainer change to Freddie Roach and that might be a good thing, it might not be, we’ll see. I know what he brings to the table, he throws a lot of shots, and he throws them with bad intentions, but that’s when I think I can capitalize on him.

“Sergiy gave him all the problems in the world last time, it came down to the last round and he put him over and the scorecards showed that. So, I hope the fight is judged fairly, I get a fair roll off the dice and that’s all I can ask for.”

—————————————————-—————————————————-————————————

LOS ANGELES, CA: (December 12, 2023): The undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) hosted a media day in Los Angeles today ahead of his 12-round super middleweight clash against former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. The explosive fight night, which is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“I am thankful to Golden Boy and to Zanfer for this opportunity. Ryder is a great opponent and I know that this fight will open many doors.”

“I am not desperate for a knockout of John Ryder. I feel like I have the capabilities and I am fully prepared and trained to knock him out. If it happens, it will happen naturally.”
FREDDIE ROACH, TRAINER TO JAIME MUNGUÍA:
“Jaime Munguía is a really good puncher. He trains really hard every day. He’s ready to go 12-rounds any day of the week.”
FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO OF ZANFER BOXING:
“It’s been a ride with Jaime Munguía and I am really proud of him. He’s a very loyal kid, and very hard-working. It’s been a pleasure to work with him, and to be involved in his career has been a privilege.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“The future starts today. Jaime has a tough challenge ahead of him, and with the addition of Freddie Roach in his corner we hope that he can do the job that Canelo couldn’t. We are very proud of Jaime Munguía and we expect a great 2024 for him.”

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Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (December 5, 2023) – In a fight that could seal his fate to become the next face of Mexican boxing superstardom, the undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) will battle former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. in a 12-round super middleweight clash. The explosive fight night, which is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder will go on sale Thursday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m. MST and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

“I am very happy to return to the ring, and I’m excited to be with my people from Phoenix,” said Jaime Munguía. “We know that Ryder is a dangerous rival, but we are prepared for it. We have not stopped training and preparing. I am also very happy to have added Freddie Roach and his team to my camp. We are going to give a great night of boxing to everyone watching, and if we overcome this great test, I hope to see you all again in May. Viva Tijuana and Viva Mexico!”

Jaime Mungía was last seen in June 2023 winning the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship against the rugged, former world title contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a masterful performance that was lauded as a Fight of the Year Candidate. Munguía has held the WBO Super Welterweight title from 2018 to 2019, successfully defending it five times.

“I’m glad this fight has been made,” said John Ryder. “I’m looking to kick 2024 off with a bang and make a statement come January 27.”

John Ryder displayed his other-worldly toughness when he went the distance with the current, undisputed world champion and star of boxing, Canelo Alvarez last May 2023. He has dispatched a number of top contenders, the most notable being Daniel Jacobs in 2022. He is currently ranked the No. 5 super middleweight by Ring Magazine.

“On January 27, the next Mexican superstar of the sport will officially be crowned — and his name is Jamie Munguía,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Whether it’s in person or at home on DAZN, fans shouldn’t miss watching Munguía do what Canelo couldn’t — knock John Ryder out.”

“We are happy about Jaime’s return to the ring,” said CEO of Zanfer Boxing Fernando Beltran.”We are going to show everyone that Munguía is here to fight anyone, we are going to give a great night of boxing to the people of Phoenix and the entire world. Que Viva Mexico!”

“I am delighted that we’ve been able to deliver another massive fight for John,” said Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Last time out, it was Canelo in Guadalajara – assignments in boxing don’t get much more intense than that, but John handled himself superbly, delivered one of the bravest performances I’ve seen and won plenty of new fans. John’s reward is another fight with a brilliant Mexican fighter. Jaime is a massive talent and a future superstar of the sport – but we believe John is the biggest test of his career, and we’re confident John will hand Jaime a first defeat.”

“Finally, the wait is over,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “This is one of the biggest fights the UK will ever see. We knew how big the fight was going to be the first time around – the interest was off the scale – but this time it feels even bigger. DAZN wants to offer the biggest and best fights to our subscribers, and this certainly ticks those boxes, so tune in live and exclusively on DAZN.”
Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte

Canelo Alvarez is promising to deliver ‘something special’ tomorrow night when he defends his undisputed Super-Middleweight title against John Ryder at the Estadio Akron on Saturday night, live on DAZN and DAZN PPV.
 
Canelo (58-2-2 39 KOs) defends his Undisputed crown for the second time after beating bitter rival Gennadiy Golovkin in their trilogy battle in Las Vegas in September, having ripped the IBF crown from Caleb Plant in Sin City in November 2021 with an 11^th round stoppage.
 
The Mexican superstar will make an emotional return to his homeland for his latest Cinco de Mayo showdown, and it will be 4180 days since he last stepped through the ropes in Mexico, when he stopped Kermit Cintron in Mexico City in five rounds to defend his WBO World Light-Middleweight title.
 
The 32 year old four-weight World Champion fights for the 63^rd time of his storied career as he closes in on 18 years as a pro. Cinco de Mayo weekend will see him fight for the 35^th time in his homeland and it promises to be a spectacular occasion with the state of Jalisco marking 200 years of independence against WBO mandatory challenger Ryder (32-5 18 KOs) – and Canelo is promising a spectacular night in front of over 50,000 fans in Guadalajara.
 
“It’s going to be something special after 12 years,” said Canelo. “I started my career here in Guadalajara in the little arenas. And now we are in the biggest stadium and the biggest response from the people. It’s going to be one of the best nights of my career for sure. I am really excited for this fight. 
 
“I was always thinking about fighting again in Guadalajara of course. You can expect something special, and the result is even better. I’m glad and grateful that the people respond like this. I’m enjoying this moment a lot. I enjoy this because it is hard to put on this kind of fights and have people respond like this. It’s an honor for me and I’m proud of it. I’m going to bring everything tomorrow night. 
 
“It wasn’t about money. There were a lot of things that made it hard to put the fight here. Everything, TV, moving, things had to change here in Guadalajara. It’s hard to do it but you know I’m happy I made this and I’m happy to bring this fight to Guadalajara. 
 
“For a long time, I didn’t train here in Guadalajara so me training here for the whole month is different. I feel different. The vibes are different. My family is here. My grandma is here. So, it’s been different, but I enjoy everything. Eddy Reynoso said to me, ‘You need to enjoy this moment because you deserve it. Enjoy what you do because this is such a big thing’. I am just enjoying and thanking all my people and the response is just amazing, so I enjoy it a lot.
 
“You know it is going to be a good fight when a fighter is coming forward. John is a good fighter. He’s southpaw and he throws punches from everywhere. It’ll be a little bit difficult in the first rounds, but I have the experience and I need to handle it.”
 
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:
 
12 x 3 mins Undisputed World Super-Middleweight title
CANELO ALVAREZ 168lbs      vs.     JOHN RYDER 167.1lbs
 
12 x 3 mins WBC World Flyweight title
JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ 112lbs vs. RONAL ROLANDO BATISTA 112lbs
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
GABRIEL VALENZUELA 139lbs        vs.     STEVE SPARK 140lbs

John Ryder is embracing the challenge of fighting Canelo Alvarez in his Guadalajara home – and says it’s only right to face the Mexican king in his backyard as he looks to defeat the undisputed Super-Middleweight champion at the Estadio Akron on Saturday night, live on DAZN and DAZN PPV.
 
Ryder (32-5-1 18 KOs) takes on the biggest challenge of his 12 year career in facing the pound-for-pound king in Mexico, and in doing so, meets a champion that’s eager to put on a dazzling display on an historic occasion, with the 32 year old fighting at home for the first time in over 11 and a half years 
 
‘The Gorilla’ landed the WBO interim title in his last fight when Zach Parker retired on his stool after four rounds of their clash in London, England in November. 
 
That win for the 34 year old followed a career-best victory earlier in 2022 over former Middleweight ruler and old Canelo foe Daniel Jacobs, with Ryder having also tackled three other Britons who have taken on the Mexican king, challenging Callum Smith for the Super-Middleweight World crown after fights with Billy Joe Saunders and Rocky Fielding.
 
Ryder completed his camp in Los Angeles before arriving in the capital of Jalisco, and the Londoner has enjoyed the hospitality to date in a state that is celebrating 200 years of independence – but the challenger knows that will turn into hostility on Saturday night – and he’s relishing the chance to ruin the party and be the second King from the UK to be crowned on the day.
 
“I know it’s going to be hostile; I am prepared for it,” said Ryder. “I think to go and fight a champion, you should go to their backyard to take their titles and that’s what I am doing. Most fighters have gone to Vegas or Texas to fight him, but I’m in Guadalajara in the Lion’s Den. 
 
“I think that the pressure is on him. It’s been a long time since he boxed here and who expects anything of me? No one. People think I am here for the paycheck, I am not, I am here to show that dreams can come true. I’ve worked hard to get here, and I deserve to be here.
 
“I think it is a good time to fight him, he has a lot of miles on the clock. Last year he had the Bivol defeat, I found it strange that he went back to Light-Heavyweight, and then he went back to 168 and while I don’t think it was a bad performance, I think people were expecting him to stop him and put the final nail in the coffin of the trilogy and he didn’t, although he did win comfortably. Obviously, he’s had the surgery on his hand and maybe there’s question marks on wear and tear, but I want the best version of him because I will give the best version of me. 
 
“I have to embrace the moment. After 12 rounds, my hand will be raised, and the new, from Islington, London, UK, undisputed World Super-Middleweight champion, John Ryder. It’s a dream opportunity and I don’t plan to waste it.  
 
“To prepare for him, you have to take him off his pedestal initially as he is who he is, but you won’t be able to get Canelo in to spar to prepare for Canelo. You work with what you can get which we have. Tony Sims is a great trainer and a real boxing historian, but it’s all very modern in my camp too. It’s been a different camp as I stayed with Joe Cordina for three weeks was fantastic, it’s one big family and he’s like a brother. He regained his World title so now it’s down to me.
 
“I have always believed that I was destined for bigger things. My career has always been a work in progress. I’ve got good people around me, familiar faces, and there’s nothing new here, I’m not in the main fight hotel so everything is a bit calmer, it’s nice and we’ll dial in when we need to.”

May 1, 2023, Guadalajara, MX – As the boxing world descends upon Guadalajara, México for Canelo-Ryder fight week, Canelo Alvarez Promotions will show off three of their young undefeated boxers, in the boxing ring, on Wednesday, May 3.

The three Canelo fighters on the stream will be Fernando “Ferros” Molina (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Guadalajara, México, Lazaro Lorenzana (10-0, 8 KOs) from San Diego, CA, and Jonathan Lopez (10-0, 7 KOs) from Orlando, Florida.

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The fight card, promoted by Canelo Alvarez Promotions, Close Y Talento Boxeo and No Boxing No Life, will be streamed live world-wide on ProBox TV beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT.

In the main event, Molina will battle Kevin Piedrahita (6-1, 6 KOs) from Celaya, Guanajuato, México, in a ten-round lightweight bout. In the co-featured bout, Lorenzana and Alexis Rios (4-2-1, 1 KO) from Zapopan, Jalisco, México will face off in a six-round super welterweight bout. Opening the stream will be Lopez in a ten-round super featherweight bout.

How to Watch Wednesday’s Show:

1. ProBoxTV.com

2. The ProBoxTV app available on all app stores

3. Available on Roku TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV

Calling the fights on the ProBox TV produced event, on the English side, will be blow-by-blow commentator Mike “Goldy” Goldberg with the expert duo of former world champions Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Chris “The Fighting Collegian” Algieri as color commentators. On the Spanish side will be Ricardo Celis calling blow-by-blow and Eight-Time World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez adding his expertise.

Chris Algieri notes: “Of course the eyes of the boxing world are all going to be on Canelo in his return to Guadalajara against John Ryder. This a massive event and deserves the attention it is getting. That being said, it doesn’t mean the boxing world stops.  ProBox will have its regularly scheduled Wednesday night fight series right in the middle of Canelo-Ryder fight week. ProBox isn’t here to compete with Canelo Alvarez, it’s here to find the next Canelo Alvarez.  Young fighters shouldn’t have to put their careers on hold because of a big fight. In fact, it’s a great opportunity for the champions of the future to soak up some of that superstar buzz that surrounds a big fight week.”

Paulie Malignaggie adds: Canelo is always front and center and is the name that resonates most with todays fight fans out of all the fighters of this generation. He is always the one under the most powerful microscope because literally everything about him can be and is discussed on his fight weeks. And ProBox is grateful to be part of the discussion.”

About ProBoxTV: ProBox TV is a digital subscription service which gives fans exclusive access to ProBox TV Content including live streaming of fights and on-demand videos. You can also watch daily talk shows with Juan Manuel Marquez, Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and our host Claudia Trejos. ProBox TV can be accessed using your favorite streaming devices, including mobile devices, or any personal computer. ProBox TV is a global product and available in all countries.

Upcoming WEDNESDAY Live Boxing on ProBox TV:

May 17 – Plant City, FL;_______May 31 – México City

June 14 – Plant City, FL;______June 28 – México

July 12 – Plant City, FL:_______July 26 – México City, MX

August 9 – Plant City, FL;______August 23 – México

September 6 – Plant City, FL;___September 20 – México City, MX

Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en

APRIL 26, 2023, PALNT CITY, FL – Every Canelo fight is an event and the entire boxing universe is focused on “Canelo Fight Week.” Next week, during fight week, Close Y Talento Boxeo, No Boxing, No Life, & Canelo Alvarez Promotions will promote a boxing event on Wednesday, May 3. The event will produced and streamed live, world-wide, on ProBox TV, beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

In the main event, hometown boxer Fernando “Ferros” Molina (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Guadalajara, México will battle Kevin Piedrahita (6-1, 6 KOs) from Celaya, Guanajuato, México, in a ten-round lightweight bout. In the co-featured bout, Lazaro Lorenzana (10-8, 8 KOs) from San Diego, CA and Alexis Rios (4-2-1, 1 KO) from Zapopan, Jalisco, México will face off in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Calling the fights on the ProBox TV produced event, on the English side, will be blow-by-blow commentator Mike “Goldy” Goldberg with the expert duo of former world champions Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Chris “The Fighting Collegian” Algieri as color commentators. On the Spanish side will be Ricardo Celis calling blow-by-blow and Eight-Time World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez adding his expertise.

Chris Algieri notes: “Of course the eyes of the boxing world are all going to be on Canelo in his return to Guadalajara against John Ryder. This a massive event and deserves the attention it is getting. That being said, it doesn’t mean the boxing world stops.  ProBox will have its regularly scheduled Wednesday night fight series right in the middle of Canelo-Ryder fight week. ProBox isn’t here to compete with Canelo Alvarez, it’s here to find the next Canelo Alvarez.  Young fighters shouldn’t have to put their careers on hold because of a big fight. In fact, it’s a great opportunity for the champions of the future to soak up some of that superstar buzz that surrounds a big fight week.”

Paulie Malignaggie adds: Canelo is always front and center and is the name that resonates most with todays fight fans out of all the fighters of this generation. He is always the one under the most powerful microscope because literally everything about him can be and is discussed on his fight weeks. And ProBox is grateful to be part of the discussion.”

How to Watch Wednesday’s Show:

1. ProBoxTV.com

2. The ProBoxTV app available on all app stores

3. Available on Roku TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV

About ProBoxTV: ProBox TV is a digital subscription service which gives fans exclusive access to ProBox TV Content including live streaming of fights and on-demand videos. You can also watch daily talk shows with Juan Manuel Marquez, Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and our host Claudia Trejos. ProBox TV can be accessed using your favorite streaming devices, including mobile devices, or any personal computer. ProBox TV is a global product and available in all countries.

Upcoming WEDNESDAY Live Boxing on ProBox TV:

May 3 – Guadalajara, México;  May 17 – Plant City, FL;

May 31 – México City

June 14 – Plant City, FL; June 28 – México

July 12 – Plant City, FL: July 26 – México City, MX

August 9 – Plant City, FL;  August 23 – México

September 6 – Plant City, FL;  September 20 – México City, MX

Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en

By Norm Frauenheim –

It’s called a tune-up. A long-awaited homecoming. But it’s beginning to look as if Canelo Alvarez’ fight with John Ryder on May 6 might prove to be more than just that.

The bout, Canelo’s first since his trilogy decision over Gennadiy Golovkin in September, is turning into a key date that could set the stage for the next and perhaps final chapter in a long, legendary career.

For weeks, the bout has been advertised as a way for Canelo to come back from surgery on his left wrist.

After a seven-month layoff, it’s a chance to see whether the wrist is repaired and the energy restored. In Canelo’s first fight in Mexico in more than a decade, it’s also an opportunity to say thanks to his fans in hometown Guadalajara.

It’s still all of those things. But increasingly there’s more at stake. More to consider.

There’s David Benavidez, who emerged from his unanimous decision over Caleb Plant on March 25 with unmistakable momentum. Then, there’s light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, who has been on the sidelines longer than Canelo in spite of his career-defining upset of the undisputed super-middleweight champion in a 175-pound last May.

The clamor for more Benavidez from his growing fan base and Bivol’s disappointing inactivity despite Fighter-of-the-Year recognition for the Canelo stunner are creating crosswinds and perhaps a crossroads for Canelo.

What’s next?

That plan looked simple enough before Benavidez-Plant. On Canelo’s to-do list, the first item was beating Ryder without complication and with only the roar of an adoring hometown crowd. Second item: A rematch with Bivol in September in a bid to correct the record with an avenging victory that would silence the Canelo doubters.

Before and after Benavidez plowed through Plant in the late rounds of a so-called 12-round eliminator, Canelo insisted that his 2023 calendar was booked.

Benavidez would have to continue waiting until at least next year. But Benavidez’ victory over Plant represents something of a coming-out party for the Phoenix-born fighter. There’s leverage in that. His growing number of fans are amplifying his call for a Canelo fight this year. Put it this way: His victory over Plant has put him squarely in the argument and will keep him there.

In on-line and social media, it’s an argument that – like Benavidez — won’t go away.  Just three weeks after Benavidez-Plant and three weeks before Canelo-Ryder, it continues. It’s sure to still be there, part of the proceedings at opening bell in Guadalajara.

It’s a debate fueled, first and foremost, by business interests. In prize fighting, follow the prize.

Despite Bivol’s comprehensive ring skill, he’s doesn’t have Benavidez’ emerging name recognition, especially among Mexican and Mexican-American fans. A further complication is Bivol’s Russian citizenship during Putin’s war with the Ukraine. Both loom as explanations for his inability to stay active in the wake of a victory that should have created opportunity. It just didn’t.

Depending on how Canelo does against Ryder, there are now reports that Showtime might make “an aggressive” offer to Canelo to fight Benavidez in late 2023. Bivol-Canelo would be interesting, but Benavidez-Canelo is the path to the biggest money, both for the fighters and the networks

But beware. In February 2022, Benavidez promoter/manager Sampson Lewkowicz said he had made an offer to Canelo to fight Benavidez in the fall of last year. It was aggressive, as in $50-million aggressive, according to Lewkowicz.

Canelo declined then.

He might decline again and instead pursue a rematch with Bivol. He has said he would want the rematch to again be at 175 pounds. His current promoter, Eddie Hearn, has mentioned super-middle, 168, which would put Canelo’s titles at risk.

But the biggest risk would be another loss, dealing a huge blow to Canelo’s career and long-stated pursuit of history. It would also damage the big-money potential of an immediate fight with Benavidez.

Already, there are hints of what many inside boxing have been saying since May. To wit: He can’t beat Bivol at either weight, 168 or 175. At opening bell, the Russian would still be the much bigger man.

Echoes of that opinion were evident last week in comments from Bivol manager Viktor Kornilov

“I don’t think Canelo’s team wants this fight and everything will be done to try to avoid this rematch and I don’t blame them,’’ Kornilov told RingTV.com.

Kornilov preceded that comment by saying that Canelo, Hearn, DAZN and fans wanted the fight.

“I do believe that Eddie, the fans and DAZN want the rematch,” Kornilov said. “There is no doubt this fight is attractive, as this is a fight Canelo clearly lost by majority of the rounds. I am sure Canelo personally wants revenge as well.’’

But, Kornilov continued:

“At the same time …” he said like somebody who could foresee a crossroads.

Canelo Alvarez
“The press conference in Guadalajara was an unbelievable moment for me because I saw my grandma, my dad, my mom, my brothers, my family there. A lot of media guys I saw when I started boxing. For me, I feel very proud and happy to bring this fight to Guadalajara and give the people some of the experience I have in other places as the best in the world.”

“I think it’s the perfect time. A long time ago I wanted to fight in Guadalajara, but I think this is the perfect moment, the perfect fight to bring to Guadalajara.

“I’m so excited to show everybody they’re wrong. I feel very good. I have a lot of years in my career; 17 years as a pro. I’ve had injuries too. I’m not at my best but I’m very motivated and I’m very happy to be in the gym, to train at 100 per cent, and they’re going to see what is coming. I’m very excited and motivated. Be careful with that.

“He [Ryder] has everything to win, nothing to lose, right? He’s always there, fighting with the good fighters trying to get that opportunity, and now he got it. It’s going to be a danger for me, but I feel good.

“It will be one of the best moments in my career for sure. The fight with Billy Joe Saunders in Dallas was amazing, one of the most enjoyable fights I’ve ever been in. I think in Guadalajara it will be the same or even more.”

John Ryder
“It’s a great opportunity that has not been gifted. I’ve worked hard at this for years. Like you said, I’ve suffered the highs, the lows, the bottom of the barrel, really. I’d like to take time to thank you, Saul and Eddie, for making this fight happen. Charlie, for working tirelessly back and forth with you to get the deal done. And three, it’s right what [Charlie Sims] said about my trainer Tony Sims, he can’t be here because of the schedule. 

“We’re all in big fights and Tony’s been a rock in my career and someone that’s brought me back from the bottom and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and I thank him for that. I also thank the family and friends, you, Charlie, for sticking by me and livening me up at times. Down to my mom and dad, my partner, and you know what, down to myself because if I give up on myself then I won’t be here. I’ve dug deep, I’ve done what I’ve had to do, I’ve worked hard to get back into this mandatory position, took the right fights at the right times, and I’m just really pleased to be here.

“Obviously the decision went against us in 2019, then the Covid times hit, which really messed everything up, but like you say, and I truly believe, timing is everything in this sport. It waits for no man, but the timing is right for me now.

“I’m not here for a holiday and I wouldn’t bring the team with me, have the team around me that I have if I didn’t believe I could win. I’m going, leaving no stone unturned, putting everything in this camp and truly believe I can come away victorious on May 6.”

Eddy Reynoso
“I’m super happy, proud to go back to the place, the home that made Canelo the boxer that he is and made me the trainer that I am. We are going to come back with our hand raised. We’re not going to let down, we’re not going to retire. It won’t be an exhibition fight, we’re going to return with all four belts that he came with, and that’s something that we’re going to do with pride. We also just really want to put on a good show for the fans.”

 “He had a great rehabilitation for his hand, and we’ve been working hard. He’s at 100% and this is going to be a huge 2023. He’s going to go up against lots of challenges this year in his career and we’re excited for what’s to come this year.”

“It’s going to be fantastic; it’ll be an entirely full stadium. There is a saying that ‘you aren’t always a prophet in your home’. Canelo will change that. He will be a prophet in his home, he will fill the stadium. I am very proud to return as winners outside of Mexico from all the fights we’ve had outside of Mexico, but we want to share it and we will share it with the people of Jalisco. We just hope the people enjoy having their champion home again.”

Eddie Hearn
“Thank you for joining us here today at the incredible Petco Park, home of the Padres in San Diego. And thank you for the incredible team for letting us host a very special and important press conference here. The first thing I thought when I walked around here was, wow, we must do a Canelo Alvarez fight here in the Petco Park stadium. It would be incredible. 

“But firstly, we have some very special business to take care of on May 6, Akron Stadium, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Canelo Alvarez will defend his undisputed super middleweight world championship against John Ryder, live and exclusive on DAZN pay per view around the world, and we cannot wait. Sport is a business now, but this was something where business didn’t count. This was personal to Saul Alvarez and Eddy Reynoso. This was from the heart. This was an opportunity to bring an event back to his people. Regardless of the money, regardless of everything else, it was an opportunity to celebrate the sport, to celebrate his career in front of what will be 50,000 people in Guadalajara on May the 6th, Cinco de Mayo weekend. An event, an atmosphere that I believe you will not witness again in boxing. 

“The whole world will be watching as he defends his Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship against this man, John Ryder, someone that we’ve worked with for over a decade. He’s paid his dues in the sport. He’s had his ups and his downs and now he’s on a big up. Victories over Danny Jacobs and Zach Parker made him the mandatory challenger, the interim world champion, and someone that will come to Guadalajara with every intention to win. With a big heart, with lots of strength, and a chance to make history for Great Britain and become the Undisputed Super-Middleweight champion of the world. 

“But in front of him, the biggest star in the sport of boxing, Saul Canelo Alvarez. The undisputed champion, someone that we’ve worked with for a long time, and I have seen fearless to challenges. There’s a lot of opinion in boxing, and what I see from Canelo and from Eddy Reynoso is a pure competitor. A winner, a legend of the sport, that he’s prepared to take on anybody. His last four fights have been unifying against Billy Joe Saunders, undisputed against Caleb Plant, stepping up in a fight that many say he shouldn’t have taken against Dimitri Bivol, and then Gennady Golovkin. The best resume in the sport of boxing, but now coming back off injury, still with a point to prove to some people, crazily, against a man that’s there to win it all on May 6. This is going to be a tremendous fight, a tremendous card, and I think that people here and particularly in Guadalajara should be very proud of Saul Canelo Alvarez and Eddy Reynoso for bringing this event to the people on May 6th live on DAZN. It’s going to be incredible.

Charlie Sims (manager of Ryder, and son of Ryder’s longtime trainer Tony Sims)
“It’s been a great experience doing this press tour. We had the pleasure of going to the stadium, look at the stadium, imagine the ring in the middle of the stadium, and what 50,000 are going to look like. It’s been great to spend some quality time with John as well just on this trip. One person I want to take this opportunity to thank who couldn’t be here because the schedules clashed was Tony Sims. 

“Tony Sims is a trainer with John Ryder, he’s dedicated years and years to the sport and years and years of developing John into the fighter he is today. They’ve been through all the lows together and now this is the pinnacle. He’s going to face the best in the division, the undisputed champion, Canelo Alvarez. I just want to take this opportunity again to thank everybody for making this event happen, but undoubtedly, we wouldn’t be here, me and John wouldn’t be here without Tony today, so I just want to take that opportunity to say thank you to him. And no doubt he is going to be extremely excited and extremely proud, come May 6 to face Canelo in the ring. He’s one of the best.”

An announcement on ticket sale dates will be made soon.

Saúl Canelo Álvarez will defend his Undisputed Super-Middleweight title against John Ryder at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico on Saturday May 6, live around the world on DAZN and DAZN PPV in the U.S & Canada – the first time in over a eleven and a half years that Canelo has fought in Mexico.

Canelo (58-2-2 39 KOs) defends his Undisputed crown for the second time after beating bitter rival Gennadiy Golovkin in their trilogy battle in Las Vegas in September, having ripped the IBF crown from Caleb Plant in Sin City in November 2021 with an 11^th round stoppage.

The Mexican superstar will make an emotional return to his homeland for his latest Cinco de Mayo showdown, and it will be 4180 days since he last stepped through the ropes in Mexico, when he stopped Kermit Cintron in Mexico City in five rounds to defend his WBO World Light-Middleweight title.

The 32 year old four-weight World Champion fights for the 63^rd time of his storied career as he closes in on 18 years as a pro. Cinco de Mayo weekend will see him fight for the 35^th time in his homeland and it promises to be a spectacular occasion with the state of Jalisco marking 200 years of independence.

WBO mandatory challenger Ryder (32-5 18 KOs) will be looking to spoil the party, as the popular Londoner travels to Mexico for the biggest fight of his 12-year career. ‘The Gorilla’ landed the WBO interim title in his last fight when Zach Parker retired on his stool after four rounds of their clash in London, England in November. 

That win for the 34 year old followed a career-best victory earlier in 2022 over former Middleweight ruler and old Canelo foe Daniel Jacobs, with Ryder having also tackled three other Britons who have taken on the Mexican king, challenging Callum Smith for the Super-Middleweight World crown after fights with Billy Joe Saunders and Rocky Fielding.

“I feel really happy to be coming back in May because following my surgery, I was unsure of when I’d be coming back,” said Canelo. “Returning to the ring and coming back to fight in Jalisco, where I’m from, makes me especially happy. And in John Ryder, I’m facing a very competitive fighter.”

“There’s no denying that Canelo is one of the greats and I’ve got a lot of respect for what he’s achieved in the sport but I fully believe this is my time fulfil my dream of becoming a World champion,” said Ryder.

“I’m not going over there for a holiday. For me this is purely business and my full focus is on going into his backyard in Guadalajara on May 6 and bringing those belts back with me to the UK. I want to thank the team, Tony and Charlie Sims and Matchroom Boxing for making this happen.”

“Canelo’s return to Mexico is historic for Mexican boxing,” said trainer Eddy Reynoso. “He is returning as an Undisputed champion, this is proof that a Mexican can succeed outside his country with discipline and love for his sport.

“I feel proud of all of this, because the dream of a kid who started in Guadalajara came true and he returns as a winner!”

“This is a moment that will be forever engrained in the history of boxing and Mexican sport,” said Eddie Hearn. “Canelo Alvarez defending his undisputed championship in his hometown in front of 50,000 fans will be an incredible sight and a night we will never forget. 

“In John Ryder, you have a mandatory challenger that has paid his dues and off the back of big wins against Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker is ready for the ultimate challenge. See you May 6 in Guadalajara for something very special, live on DAZN.”

“It doesn’t get bigger than Canelo in Mexico,” Joe Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group said, “Canelo returning home, John Ryder coming to spoil the party after big wins versus Daniel Jacobs and Zach Parker in 2022; this has the makings of a classic. Tune in to this historic event live on DAZN around the world and in Mexico for the very first time.”

An announcement on ticket sale dates will be made soon.

John Ryder captured the WBO Interim Super Middleweight Title via stoppage after round four when previously undefeated Zach Parker could not continue due to an injured right hand at The 02 Arena in London.

It was a close fight until Parker bowed out of the fight.

Ryder will not head the short list for a possible May fight with Canelo Alvarez and is now 32-3 with 18 knockouts. Parker is 22-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz stopped River Wilson-Bent in round two of their 12-round middleweight bout.

Sheeraz was dominant from the opening bell ny rocking him several times. At the end of round two, the pressure finally undid Wilson-Bent and a right hand put him down and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Sheeraz, 159 lbs of London is 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Wilson-Bent, 159.7 lbs is 13-2-1.

“Zach started well, got behind the job well and was peppering me a bit there,” reacted Ryder afterwards. “I felt like the tide might be starting to turn and I was getting more on top, but these things happen in boxing. It is a bad injury for him and it feels like half a robbery victory for me.”

“Obviously I am absolutely gutted,” added Parker. “It was at the start of the round, I hit him with an uppercut and you can see from my hand that it is out now. He is obviously a good lad who will go on and do good things in boxing and I will come back stronger.

“I was warming into the fight and it was becoming a good fight. When the injury happened at the start of that last round I kept having to move because every time I jabbed him it was hurting and clicking.”

Noakes Stops McCord in 4

Sam Noakes stopped Calvin McCord in round four of a 12-round lightweight fight.

In round Noakes dropped McCord with a right to the body. Noakes dropped McCord again with a hard right hand. Noakes finished things when he sent McCord to a knee with another hard right to the body at 2:14.

Noakes, 1234.5 lbs of Kent, ENG is 10-o with 10 knockouts. McCord, 135 lbs of Scotland is 12-1.

McCann Stops Ham in 8

Dennis McCann stopped a gritty Joe Ham in round eight of their 12-round super bantamweight bout.

In round five, Ham began to bleed from his nose.

In round eight, McCann unleashed a series of flurries and the bout was stopped at 2:28.

McCann, 121.4 lbs of Kent, ENG is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Ham, 121.5 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 17-4.

O’Leary Decisions Mungandjela

Pierce O’Leary won a 10-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Mungandjela in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, O’Leary dropped Mungandjela with a perfect counter uppercut. At the end of round five, dropped Mungandjela with a right uppercut followed by a vicious left hook.

O’Leary, 139.5 lbs of Dublin, IRE won by scores of 99-90, 99-89 and 96-92 and is now 12-0. Mungandjela, 139.9 lbs of Namibia is 16-4-1.

Tommy Fletcher took out Jiri Krejci in the opening round of their four-round cruiserweight bout.

In the opening round, Fletcher landed a nasty left uppercut to the chin that put Krejci down and completely put at 2:!9. Krejci needed medical attention, but was able to leave the ring on his own power.

Fletcher, 201 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Krejci, 197.8 lbs of CZE is 1-3-2.

WBO Interim World Super-Middleweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @168lbs
Zach Parker 167.3lbs
John Ryder 167lbs
 
WBC Silver & vacant Commonwealth Middleweight Championships
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @160lbs
Hamzah Sheeraz  159.3lbs
River Wilson-Bent 159.7lbs
 
WBC International Silver & vacant Commonwealth Lightweight Championships
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @135lbs
Sam Noakes 134.6lbs
Calvin McCord 135lbs
 
Vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @122lbs
Dennis McCann 121.4lbs
Joe Ham 121.5lbs.
 
Vacant WBC International Super-Lightweight contest
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @140lbs
Pierce O’Leary 139.5lbs
Emmanuel Mungandjela 139.9lbs
 
4 x 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight contest
Tommy Fletcher 201lbs
Jiri Krejci 197.6lbs
 
6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight contest
Sonny Liston Ali 145.9lbs
Georgi Velichkov 144lbs

(Nov. 23, 2022) — Super middleweight contenders Zach Parker and John Ryder will collide in a 12-round main event for the WBO Interim world title this Saturday, Nov. 26, at The O2 in London. This high-stakes showdown pits two of the UK’s top fighters, with the winner in pole position to earn a super fight in 2023.

Parker-Ryder and undercard contests will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Parker (22-0, 16 KOs) is a former British super middleweight champion who has been waiting patiently for a signature fight. He was supposed to fight Demetrius Andrade, but the American standout pulled out of a proposed May date with an injury and then declined the fight following a purse bid in September. The out-of-the-ring drama has sidelined Parker for more than a year, as he hasn’t fought since last November’s fourth-round stoppage over Marcus Morrison. Parker has knocked out five straight foes since winning the British title over Darryll Williams via split decision in November 2018. Ryder (31-5, 17 KOs), from London, has won three bouts since a highly controversial decision loss to Callum Smith for the WBA super middleweight world title. He is coming off an upset split decision win over former middleweight world champion Danny Jacobs in February.

In other streaming action on ESPN+:

Hamzah Sheeraz (16-0, 12 KOs) vs. River Wilson-Bent (13-1-1, 6 KOs), 12 Rounds, Sheeraz’s WBC Silver & Vacant Commonwealth Middleweight Titles

Dennis McCann (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Joe Ham (17-3, 6 KOs), 12 Rounds, Vacant Commonwealth Junior Featherweight Title

Sam Noakes (9-0, 9 KOs) vs. Calvin McCord (12-0, 2 KOs), 12 Rounds, Noakes’ WBC International Silver & Vacant Commonwealth Lightweight Titles

Pierce O’Leary (10-0, 6 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Mungandjela (16-3-1, 7 KOs), 10 Rounds, Vacant WBC International Super Lightweight title

# # #
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

JOHN RYDER HAS revealed the horrors he experienced in continuing his attempt to become successful as a middleweight fighter before ultimately rejuvenating his career at super middleweight.

Ryder takes on Zach Parker for the WBO Interim world super middleweight title at The O2 on November 26 in a highly-anticipated domestic clash, live on BT Sport, where the winner will either fight Canelo Alvarez for the full title or be elevated to champion.

Currently a picture of health and happiness, Ryder is readying himself to go to war with the unbeaten Queensberry man Parker, but it was a different story down at middleweight, where the principal battle was against the scales.

It was in his 2015 British title challenge against Nick Blackwell that Ryder began to realise that toiling down to 160lbs was having a detrimental effect on his fistic fortunes.

“It just wasn’t there to happen for me anymore, I’d get to 11st 10lbs and then it was just pure dehydration,” explained Ryder to Dev Sahni in a compelling episode of the Unibet Lowdown. “I can’t sit in a sauna even fully hydrated, not my cup of tea, so it was just working hard to get weight off, skipping, running… Moving up to super middleweight was the best thing I’ve ever done.

“The Nick Blackwell fight was the first where I really struggled. I’d been in America and had a bit of jetlag and I probably wasn’t professional enough to say to Tony (trainer, Sims) about training a little bit later. I paid the price for it.”

Ryder went on to relay the incredible thoughts that ran through his head during another domestic collision, this time against Jack Arnfield in 2016.

“I had another crack at middleweight against Jack Arnfield and he just got the better of me. In that Arnfield fight I was thinking ‘please just put me out of my misery’. I wanted him to knock me out because there was no way I was going to quit.

“I wanted to be hit on the chin, put out of my misery and then look for something else to do. I just didn’t have the fight in me anymore.

“I trained like a beast and I always trained hard. I am always fit but getting down to that weight just took something out of me. It just wasn’t there and 24 hours wasn’t enough to replenish it and come again.

“People probably think I am a bit sadistic for saying all this, but it was tough. You’re in a fight and nothing is working for you, nothing is coming off and you are getting picked off. You think to yourself ‘another four rounds of this… I’m not going to quit, so please put me out of my misery’.

“The move up to 168lbs took the pressure off and I enjoyed camps not having to worry about that last bit. Before I was purely training to make weight, not even to get fit.”

Tickets for Zach Parker vs John Ryder for the WBO Interim Super-Middleweight Championship on 26 November at The O2 are on sale now, available from axs.com

THE WBO INTERIM super middleweight world championship will be on the line when Zach Parker takes on John Ryder at The 02 on Saturday November 26 in what should be a thrilling domestic collision, live on BT Sport.

Parker, the super middleweight destroyer from Derby, was originally set to fight Demetrius Andrade for the Interim title before the American withdrew from the running and next in line is North Londoner Ryder, who Parker has previously expressed a keen willingness to fight in what is a major all-British clash.

Parker (22-0, 16 KOs) has blasted out all before him since teaming up with Frank Warren and Queensberry, scoring brutal knockouts victories over Vaughn Alexander, Sherzod Khusanov and Marcus Morrison – three men who had not previously been stopped.

Now the 28-year-old goes up against the Islington ‘Gorilla’ in Ryder (31-5, 17), who has been in a formidable run of form at super middleweight, beating Daniel Jacobs last time out in February and who many observers felt edged Callum Smith in a world title challenge in November 2019.

A bumper card at the Greenwich venue will also see the unbeaten middleweight star Hamzah Sheeraz (16-0, 12) defend his WBC Silver title for a first time, having seized the belt in his second fight at 160lbs against Francisco Emanuel Torres in July.

Pierce O’Leary (10-0, 6), the super lightweight banger from Dublin, will have his second fight under the Queensberry banner and will challenge for the vacant WBC International championship.

The show also features two fascinating title fights involving two elite Queensberry prospects taking a significant step up.

Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann (13-0, 7) from Maidstone will fight for the vacant Commonwealth super bantamweight title against Glasgow man Joe Ham (17-3, 6). Southpaw McCann, 21, has won the WBO Youth super bantamweight title and the WBC International Silver featherweight title in his last two fights.

Sam Noakes (9-0, 9), who is returning from a hand injury, will defend his WBC International lightweight title for a second time against the unbeaten Scot Calvin McCord (11-0, 2) as he bids to make it a perfect 10, with 10 fights and 10 KOs.

“We have got a cracking show lined up for The 02, headlined by what should be an absolute stormer between our man Zach Parker and the highly respected John Ryder for the WBO Interim world title at super middleweight,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“We were expecting Zach to come up against Demetrius Andrade, but with Andrade having pulled out for the second time, now it gives us a bigger domestic clash against the no.2 contender, Ryder. The winner will be the mandatory for when Canelo Alvarez is forced back into action at super middleweight, or elects to vacate his belts.

“Future world champions – in my book – Hamzah Sheeraz and Pierce O’Leary, will be in big fights and our top young prospects Dennis McCann and Sam Noakes are again in title action against highly competitive opponents who will give them their toughest tests to date.”

Bexley welterweight Micky Burke jr (7-0, 3) and London super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (4-0) will be in six round fights, with Brick Lane welterweight Khalid Ali (4-0, 2) fighting over four rounds.

Tickets for Zach Parker vs John Ryder for the WBO Interim Super-Middleweight Championship at The O2 on Saturday, 26 November go on general sale at noon on Wednesday, 26 October from axs.com.

Fans are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive the direct ticket link when tickets go on sale.