Showing posts with label Jason Quigley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Quigley. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

What Berlanga Can Take Away From Victory Over Quigley

The storyline prior to rising unbeaten Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga 's fight against former Middleweight world title challenger Jason Quigley on June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden was whether or not Berlanga, who holds the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) championship in the Super-Middleweight division, could produce a performance that would serve as a strong argument for him as being a potential challenger for current undisputed champion of the division Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. As most know however, a slight wrinkle emerged two days before the bout when it was revealed that Alvarez had signed a three-fight deal with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters, which moves Alvarez at least for the time being away from digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and at least for now to United States premium cable network Showtime, which for Berlanga, who recently signed with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, who had promoted several of Alvarez' recent fights, now finding himself without what seemed like an obvious path towards facing Alvarez.


While this could obviously change given not only the state of the PBC's deal with Showtime, and the network's merger this  week with parent company's Paramount  and it's digital subscription streaming network Paramount+ as part of a major corporate restructuring, which leaves the future of Boxing programming on the soon to be renamed Paramount+ with Showtime up in the air, for the immediate, the news regarding Alvarez had to at minimum cause a distraction for Berlanga prior to what should have been viewed as a step up in his career. The elements of the business end of the sport notwithstanding, the bout between Berlanga and Quigley was one of youth versus experience.


It was the experience of Quigley that stood out early as he implemented a strategy with an emphasis on movement, giving angles, and trying to counter Berlanga as he came forward. Though such an approach is not always appreciated, particularly amongst fans that prefer more toe to toe action, it did establish, despite the belief based on his knockout loss to Demetrius Andrade in November 2021, that Quigley was not interested in cooperating with the stance of some that he was an opponent designed to give the young unbeaten rising contender Berlanga a showcase win and potentially a quick knockout after being forced to go the distance in his previous four fights. What was also noticeable about Quigley's strategy was his willingness to try to catch Berlanga in between the punches he was throwing, which seemed to be effective in spots throughout this fight.


Beelanga's pressure and harder punches when he was able to connect however, gave him an edge. Despite how effective Quigley's tactics appeared to be, what turned out to work against him were four knockdowns throughout the course of the fight. In rounds three, five, and two knockdowns in the twelfth and final round, Beelanga's punching power and pressure were able to get to Quigley and put him on the canvas. Although the knockdowns in rounds three and five appeared to be what are often referred to as "Flash Knockdowns" where Quigley did not appear to be significantly hurt, those knockdowns prove more often than not to be detrimental in terms of scoring for the fighter that is knocked down because it creates a deficit in points that without being able to score knockdowns of your own, can prove to be difficult to overcome. In this case, the knockdowns could give a false sense that this fight was one-sided in Berlanga's favor simply because they created a significant deficit in terms of scoring that Quigley could not overcome in losing a unanimous decision.


In actuality, Quigley's approach throughout this fight succeeded in keeping Berlanga from being able to dictate how it was being fought, unable at times to get into a consistent offensive rhythm, and at times appearing to make Berlanga look discouraged. While with the exception of the four knockdowns he was able to score, this probably was not the type performance Berlanga was looking for in terms of trying to make a statement as a potential challenger for Saul Alvarez down the line, sometimes a win is a win and his victory was still convincing albeit without the knockout that most were probably looking for or expecting.


Although this victory over Jason Quigley marked the fifth time Berlanga has had to go the distance after starting his career with sixteen straight knockouts, this observer does not necessarily see that as a negative. It is indeed true that if a fighter scores knockouts and can do so in devastating fashion that said fighter will almost always move up the ladder of contention quicker, receive more attention, and likely get an opportunity to fight for a world championship quicker than those who take a more measured approach. The potential drawback for those fighters who are able to carve out reputations as "Knockout Artists" is they do not necessarily get the chance to fully develop their skills, nor do they get the experience needed to learn how to adapt as a fight progresses into the middle and late rounds against fighters of varying styles, who will not always cooperate with the desired scenario of a rising star or his/her team of a quick knockout. While going the distance on a string of several fights may be seen as a red flag in the eyes of some, it is to be expected when a prospect turned contender steps up in the caliber of competition as they approach challenging for a world championship. Criticism no matter what a fighter might do or how they perform is something that will unfortunately also come with the territory, but the experience fighters gain at these stages is invaluable and no doubt will benefit Edgar Berlanga as he continues to move forward in his career.


"And That's The Boxing Truth."


The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 


Thursday, June 22, 2023

Can Berlanga Convince The Boxing World He's Ready For Alvarez?

The main goal of just about every fighter that competes in and around the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division is to secure a fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Not only is Alvarez one of the superstars in the sport of Boxing, which obviously means whomever he fights is most likely assured a career high payday, but in regard to the Super-Middleweight division, he remains the undisputed champion of the world. As such whenever a fight occurs in the division that does not directly involve Alvarez, the obvious question that surrounds it is whether those participating in a fight can make a convincing argument as being a potential opponent for him either in the near future or perhaps further down the road.


Undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is one fighter that is trying to make that argument. Unbeaten in twenty professional fights with sixteen knockouts, Berlanga has quickly developed not only a fan following, but also buzz due to his punching power and ability to score knockouts almost as quickly as a fight begins, having scored all sixteen of his knockouts in the first round. Naturally, as a fighter moves up the ladder of contention, the level of opposition theoretically is supposed to get tougher for young prospects turned would be contenders.


While Berlanga had successfully worked his way to being the North American Boxing Organization (NABO), champion in the Super-Middleweight division, the streak of knockouts which began his career would ultimately come to an end in April 2021 when he scored an eight round unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson. This would begin a different streak as in his last four fights, Berlanga has been forced to go the distance.


Following his last outing in June of last year, where he scored a ten round unanimous decision over Alexis Angulo in his first fight as a main event attraction, which was broadcast on ESPN  and it's streaming network ESPN+ from Madison Square Garden's Theater in Berlanga 's home of New York, the fighter came to a  mutual agreement with his promoter Bob Arum to part ways. It is not uncommon for fighters to try and break away from promoters who help develop them as they try to progress for a hoped for shot at a world championship. Usually, such splits between fighter and promoter usually come as a result of the promoter's failure to secure a fight that would either move the fighter closer or directly to the goal of challenging for a world championship.


In essence, that appears to be what led to the split between Berlanga and Arum as the promoter described the split as a difference in opinion as to the direction of Berlanga 's career. Now one year removed from his last fight Berlanga, who is rated in the top ten in both the World Boxing Organization (WBO) per his holding the affiliated NABO and the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the Super-Middleweight division, prepares to return the the ring on Saturday, June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden as he faces former world title challenger Jason Quigley in a scheduled twelve round bout that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN


This fight not only represents Berlanga 's debut on a new network after fighting the majority of his career up to this point competing on ESPN/ESPN+, but more specifically and perhaps importantly, this will be his first fight under new promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. What makes that significant is for the last several years, Hearn has promoted and developed what has so far been a successful relationship with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Berlanga 's decision to sign with Hearn should be viewed as the obvious path for him to try to get a shot at Alvarez.


In Jason Quigley, Berlanga will face a fighter who has challenged for a world title for the first time in his career in a fight that is one further step up. There are two questions that come to this observer's mind as this fight approaches.


Number one, what kind of Berlanga will we see in this fight? As some may recall, despite getting the victory over Alexis Angulo in his last fight, he was criticized for his performance with some fans even stating that they felt Angulo won the fight. Whether his performance was in part affected by nerves in main eventing a Boxing card for the first time and doing so in Madison Square Garden, and/or what turned out to be a pending split with his then promoter Bob Arum and his promotional company Top Rank Inc., is something that only Berlanga can answer for himself. At this stage of his career after turning professional in 2016, Berlanga should know that he is at least in theory approaching competing at the top level of the sport and therefore, should expect the competition level to increase. The second question that surrounds this fight is whether or not Jason Quigley will be able to provide resistance and be able to test Berlanga?


Despite a respectable record of 20-2, with 14 Knockouts coming into this fight and being a former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) as a 160lb. Middleweight, Quigley is most known for having been knocked out by then WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade in two rounds in November 2021. While Quigley seemed to be caught cold by the highly skilled and dangerous Andrade before he could have an opportunity to get into a rhythm, perhaps what some might see as a possible red flag is that Quigley has been stopped in both of his career losses. The loss to Andrade led to a near two year layoff for Quigley before getting back to the ring in April of this year in scoring a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Garbor Gorbics in what was his Super-Middleweight debut.


Quigley can rely on his experience or at least try to in this fight against Berlanga, but zt thirty-two there might be some who question what he might have left as perhaps some are questioning whether the twenty-six year old Berlanga is ready to potentially challenge for a world title or at least face another top contender should he win this fight. Perhaps some might take it a step further by saying that the difference in opinion as to the direction of his career, which led to his split with Bob Arum might have been rooted in Arum possibly feeling that Berlanga needs more time to develop rather than trying to get into position to challenge Alvarez in the near future.


Whatever the case might be, Berlanga knows that Quigley has been caught cold before and it would not surprise me, despite going the distance in his previous four fights, to see him try to jump on Quigley early and attempt to end the fight quickly. If that is indeed the case, Quigley's main objective at least for the first couple of rounds should be to try and weather the storm of Berlanga's punching power and try to gradually work his way into the fight as it progresses. Quigley must however, try to be as warmed up and ready to go as possible because he will likely be pressured from the outset and Berlanga is a fighter that can hurt you with either hand. If Quigley is not ready for the pressure and attack that Berlanga will likely apply, this could indeed be a short evening.


There were some fans particularly on social media that have been critical of Berlanga and Eddie Hearn for the selection of Quigley as the opponent for this fight. Such criticism is likely based on what happened to Quigley against Andrade. Sometimes however, especially in the present time we are all living in, no matter what a fighter and promoter might do, the fan can be fickle and hard to please. Regardless of what happens when Berlanga and Quigley square off in the ring, the fan regardless of what their level of knowledge of the sport and the development of a possible future world title challenger might be, fights like this are necessary for a fighter's continued progression and if Edgar Berlanga gets through Jason Quigley and does so impressively, his next fight will likely be against a top contender, if not what would likely be considered a long shot at least at this point to get a shot at Alvarez. It is up to Edgar Berlanga to make the best argument he can that he is indeed ready for that challenge. Whether he can do that in this fight might be debatable, but nevertheless, remains to be seen.


"And That's The Boxing Truth." 


Berlanga vs. Quigley takes place on Saturday, June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 5:45PM ET/2:45PM PT with Before The Bell featuring preliminary bouts. This will be followed by the main card beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. (U.S. Times Only.)


For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com


(*Card and start times subject to change.*)


The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Friday, November 19, 2021

Andrade KO’s Quigley In 2 To Retain WBO Middleweight World Championship

 

Undefeated WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade scored a statement-making second round knockout of WBO number ten rated Middleweight contender Jason Quigley on Friday night at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. Andrade, who is a two-division world champion having previously held the WBO Jr. Middleweight crown, was making the fifth defense of his WBO Middleweight world championship. An extremely talented boxer with an impressive skillset, Andrade has faced struggles in securing lucrative fights in and around the 160lb. Middleweight division due to his Boxing style that while dominant does not always result in entertaining knockouts the generate interest to secure some of those lucrative fights. Andrade was not interested in going twelve rounds in this title defense as he patiently waited for his opening and then landed a short left hook to the head that sent Quigley down. In round two, Andrade did not allow Quigley time to recover dropping him a second time with a left hook to the head. The end came when a combination landed and sent Quigley down for a third time forcing a stoppage of the bout. Official time of the stoppage was 2:24 of round two. Demetrius Andrade advances to 31-0, with 19 Knockouts. Jason Quigley falls to 19-2, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a disappointing clash for the WBC Flyweight world championship, champion Julio Cesar Martinez and veteran McWilliams Arroyo fought to a three round no contest. It did not take long for the action to heat up as the challenger Arroyo dropped Martinez midway through the first round with a flush left hook to the jaw that sent the champion down into the ropes. Although Martinez did not go down fully, the ropes did prevent him from going down, but also his glove did touch the canvas. Late in round one, the champion answered back by dropping Arroyo with a left hook of his own to the head. Round two saw Martinez score a second knockdown of the challenger with a left hook followed by a push. Although the push was clear, it was ruled a knockdown. Later in round two, Arroyo was cut over the right eye as a result of an accidental clash of heads. At the beginning of round three, Arroyo informed the ringside physician that he could not see resulting in the no contest being rendered. Julio Cesar Martinez maintains his record of 18-1-0 1NC, with 14 Knockouts. McWilliams Arroyo maintains his record of 21-4-0-1NC, with 16 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated unified IBF/WBA Jr. Featherweight world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Jose Velasquez. The challenger consistently pressed the action from start to finish and was the aggressor throughout, but it was Akhmadaliev’s cleaner punches, angles, and ring generalship that resulted in him retaining his unified world championship via unanimous decision. Official scores were: 119-109 (On all three scorecards) for Akhmadaliev. Murodjon Akhmadaliev advances to 10-0, with 7 Knockouts. Jose Velasquez falls to 29-7-2, with 19 Knockouts.

 

In a bout for the WBA/IBO/WBO Jr. Welterweight world championship, WBA/IBO world champion Kali Reis scored a hard fought ten round split decision over top contender Jessica Camara. Reis started the fight at a quick pace, but as the fight progressed the challenger pressed the action and landed several right hands and left hooks to the head that appeared to be the cleaner punches through the middle rounds. With the championship seemingly slipping away, Reis was able to get a second wind in the closing rounds to earn the nod on two of three judges scorecards to retain her championship and add the vacant WBO championship to her unified crown. Reis now advances to face undefeated WBC/IBF Jr. Welterweight world champion Chantelle Cameron in 2022 to determine an undisputed world champion in the Women’s 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division. Official scores were 97-93 (Reis), 95-94 (Camara), and 97-93 in favor of Reis. Kali Reis advances to 19-7-1, with 7 Knockouts. Jessica Camara falls to 8-3, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Demsey McKean battered an over matched Don Haynesworth over six one-sided rounds to earn a stoppage win early in the sixth round. Official time was :27 of round six. Demsey McKean advances to 20-0, with 13 Knockouts. Don Haynesworth falls to 16-8-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Nelson Perez scored a four round unanimous decision over Raymundo Cardiel. Perez dropped Cardiel in an exchange of left hooks in the first round where his simply landed first. This was followed by a second knockdown in round two with another left hook to the head of Cardiel. Although Perez simply could not miss with his left hand and it seemed Cardiel was outgunned, to his credit, Cardiel hung in there and made it to the final bell. All three official judges scored the bout 40-34 in favor of Perez. Nelson Perez advances to 5-0, with 2 Knockouts. Raymundo Cardiel falls to 3-8-2 with 3 Knockouts.

 

In a battle of unbeaten Cruiserweights Thomas O'Toole scored a first round knockout of previously undefeated Mark Malone. The southpaw O'Toole rocked Malone with a left hand that staggered him and while against the ropes O’Toole unleashed a vicious left hook to the head that sent Malone down and out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was 1:31 of round one. Malone was down for a few minutes following the knockout, but was able to leave the ring under his own power. Thomas O’Toole advances to 2-0, with 2 Knockouts. Mark Malone falls to 1-1, with 0 Knockouts.  

 

Light-Heavyweights Khalil Coe and Aaron Casper began the evening by fighting to a four round majority draw. Coe had a solid first round mixing his attack to the body and head of Casper. From round two on however, Casper seemed to get more aggressive and brought the fight to Coe and forcing the combat on the inside. While neither fighter never stood out clearly from the other, it appeared Casper dictated the fight down the stretch. Official scores were 39-37 (Coe), and 38-38 (On two scorecards. Khalil Coe advances to 1-0-1, with 1 Knockout. Aaron Casper advances to 6-4-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

This latest victory for Demetrius Andrade was the type that in a perfect Boxing universe would drum up demand for him to face the other champions in the division including WBC world champion Jermall Charlo and the winner of the upcoming unification bout between unified IBF/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin and WBA champion Ryota Murata, which will take place on December 29th in Tokyo, Japan, in scoring a quick conclusive knockout where he did not leave much room for critics to criticize his performance if they were to do so objectively..  Boxing unfortunately is far from a perfect universe, but Andrade has done everything he can do as a defending champion to make the argument for the lucrative fights that have thus far eluded him. While there is certainly more that goes into the equation on the business end of the sport, this observer asks this simple question. After thirty-one consecutive wins and being a world champion in two different divisions, what more does Demetrius Andrade have to do to get one lucrative fight let alone the slew of lucrative opportunities normally available to the top stars in the sport?

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Andrade-Quigley Weights

 

The official weigh-in for Friday’s WBO Middleweight world championship fight between undefeated world champion Demetrius Andrade and WBO number ten rated contender Jason Quigley took place earlier today in Manchester, NH. Weights for the entire card, which will be broadcast globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN are below.

 

Main Event: WBO Middleweight World championship – 12Rds.

 

Demetrius Andrade (Champion) 160lbs. vs. Jason Quigley (Challenger) 159 3/4lbs.

 

*Women’s WBA/IBO/WBO Jr. Welterweight world championship – 10Rds.

 

Kali Reis (WBA/IBO world champion) 138lbs. vs. Jessica Camara (Challenger) 139lbs.

 

(*The vacant WBO world championship in the Women’s Jr. Welterweight division will also be at stake in this bout. Winner of this bout to face WBC/IBF world champion Chantelle Cameron on a date to be determined in 2022 for the Undisputed Jr. Welterweight world championship.)

 

WBC Flyweight World championship – 12Rds.

 

Julio Cesar Martinez (Champion) 111 1/4lbs. vs. McWilliams Arroyo (Challenger) 111 1/2lbs.

 

IBF/WBA Jr. Featherweight world championship – 12Rds.

 

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (Champion) 121 3/4lbs. vs. Jose Velasquez (Challenger) 121 1/2lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Demsey McKean 243lbs. vs.  Don Haynesworth 293 1/2lbs.

 

Jr. Welterweight – 6Rds.

 

Nelson Perez 140lbs. vs. Raymundo Cardiel 139 1/2lbs.

 

Light-Heavyweight – 4 Rds.

 

Khalil Coe 175 3/4lbs. vs. Aaron Casper 174 3/4lbs.

 

Cruiserweight – 4Rds.

 

Thomas O’Toole 186 3/4lbs. vs. Mark Malone 198 1/2lbs.  

 

Andrade vs. Quigley takes place tomorrow night (Friday, November 19th) at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning with Before The Bell, which will air preliminary bouts beginning at 5:15PM ET/2:15PM PT. This will be followed by the main card, which will begin at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT (U.S. Times). For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Is Munguia Ready For Middleweight World Title Shot?

 

The Middleweight fight between undefeated former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia, current top rated Middleweight contender and former Middleweight world title challenger Gabriel Rosado was eagerly anticipated from the moment the scheduled November 13th clash was announced. The obvious reason for this is you had two fighters that are known as offensive-minded boxers with one, Munguia, being a noted as a feared “Knockout Artist.”

 

While it is indeed true that Munguia entered the bout against Rosado having scored knockouts in thirty of his thirty-seven career wins including three straight knockouts since moving up from the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division to the 160lb. Middleweight division, like most fighters who are able to garner a reputation for scoring quick knockouts, he had not been tested in his career and with potential title shots looming, it was logical to wonder if the veteran Rosado would be able to provide that tesy for him.

 

In Gabriel Rosado, Munguia faced what amounted to the very definition of a seasoned professional fighter. Rosado a veteran of forty-one bouts going into this fight and had earned a reputation for his willingness to fight anyone regardless if the circumstances were such that he stepped into fights on short notice and/or viewed as a significant underdog depending on his opposition. Rosado however, had developed a bit of a career resurgence after aligning with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach in dropping a disputed split decision to former IBF Middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs in November of last year and then scoring what many feel is a candidate for Knockout of the Year when he knocked out previously undefeated highly touted prospect Bektemir  Melikuziev in June of this year. A fight where Rosado got up from a knockdown in the first round before knocking Melikuziev out cold with a single counter punch in the third round.

 

Despite the thrilling nature in which that knockout occurred, Rosado still had a hard luck reputation as well having lost thirteen bouts in his career. While it was understandable that he would again be put in position as an underdog going into this fight, Rosado had shown significant improvement under Roach's guidance and thanks to his performance against Melikuziev, had also shown an ability to end a fight suddenly if given the opportunity.

 

It was certainly not surprising to see Munguia attempt to establish a quick pace from the outset when the two fighters met at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The question this observer had however, was one that can be split into two parts. Would Rosado be able to handle fighting at such a high pace and if so, could he potentially find a way to use Munguia’s aggression against him?

 

One aspect of Rosado's approach that I noticed early on that I felt worked well for him was the periodic use of his jab and what appeared to be a strategy based on trying to land offense to Munguia’s body. While at not point at least in the first half of the fight did Rosado come close to matching Munguia's output, I did feel the strategic approach as well as setting up counter punch opportunities would show more success as the fight progressed.

 

Furthermore, I felt that if Rosado could land offense to Munguia’s body more than occasionally, Munguia’s pace would decline in the middle and later rounds. Rosado was able to execute some effective counter shots particularly in being able to snap Munguia’s head back with his right hand periodically throughout the twelve round bout, but as the fight progressed, he gradually got away from both using his jab and did not attempt to go to the body with consistency throughout. This allowed Munguia to maintain control of the combat in what was an exciting fight albeit lopsided victory for Munguia on the scorecards in earning a convincing twelve round unanimous decision to move his record to 38-0, with 30 Knockouts.

 

While at the end of the day, Munguia simply did what he needed to do in scoring a victory, he was also put to the test by Rosado who gave him a hard fight for all twelve rounds. Although Rosado simply did not throw often enough and was not able to score knockdowns throughout the fight, which could have made a difference in the scoring of the fight, he did succeed in testing Munguia’s chin and Munguia did pass this test. The question now becomes is Munguia ready to challenge for a world championship in 2022?

 

This observer believes that Munguia is ready and could be a likely opponent for the winner of upcoming world championship bouts including undefeated WBO world champion Demetrius Andrade, who will defend his title on November 19th against top contender Jason Quigley seeing as he is currently the WBO number one contender, or a potential opponent for the winner of the December 29th unification bout between IBF/IBO world champion Gennady Golovkin and WBA world champion Ryota Murata. Obviously, there is at least speculation at this point that if Golovkin is successful in that bout against Murata that a possible third bout between he and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is on the table, which would see Golovkin move up eight pounds to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division to challenge the recently crowned undisputed world champion Alvarez for the crown. Based on this, I believe the more logical scenario for Munguia at this point would be to wait for the Andrade-Quigley winner to emerge and seek an opportunity against that winner.  From a business perspective, a fight between the Andrade-Quigley winner and Munguia seems like it would be straightforward to make seeing as both Andrade’s promoter Eddie Hearn, and Munguia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya have not only regularly worked together to co-promote fights as they will be with Andrade-Quigley, but also both are aligned with global digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, which would likely welcome what would be another marquee attraction for their network. One must also keep in mind that Andrade has been clamoring for a marquee opponent and if he should retain his championship over Quigley, would likely welcome the opportunity to fight someone of Munguia’s caliber and growing popularity in the sport.

 

For now, it is simply a process of waiting for Jaime Munguia. Boxing fans can only hope that as the world continues to deal with the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic that more marquee fights that will have significant interest will be in the works for 2022. One such bout would be Munguia challenging the Andrade-Quigley winner.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison