Jaime Munguia Continues to Seek Redemption
- Miguel Maravilla
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
It was back to drawing board for former world champion Jaime Munguia (45-2, 35 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico when he suffered his second defeat of his career back in December of 2024 in his hometown of Tijuana. A sixth-round stoppage at the hands of unbeaten and unknown Frenchman Bruno Surace at the Caliente, Stadium in what was Munguia’s homecoming bout.
Prior to the fight, Munguia was in a September battle with previously undefeated Erik Bazinyan stopping the Canadian based Armenian in ten rounds. Earlier that spring in May, Munguia dropped a decision to Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in going the distance in a spirited effort.
Not to mention he began his 2024 campaign with a hard -ought stoppage of the always tough Englishman John Ryder. Perhaps an example of too many battles within a one-year span or simply a fighter that wasn’t prepared.
The rematch ensued six months later with Munguia avenging his knockout defeat to Surace in winning a unanimous decision in Riyadh. The thrill of victory and revenge were spoiled shortly after when as Munguia would test positive for traces of exogenous testosterone. Munguia was cleared however of any wrongdoing after his positive test result was caused by unintentional contamination with pregnenolone, a legal, non-banned substance.
“The worst has already happened, I have moved on and ready for the next phase of my career,” Jaime Munguia told Fightnews.com “I’m here to become world champion once again,” Munguia added.
Theres no doubt that Munguia has more than just to prove that he’s back but simply a case of getting the monkey off his back when he steps in the ring with fellow countrymate WBA super middleweight champion Armando “El Toro” Resendiz (16-2, 11 KOs) of Nayarit, Mexico.
“I must get the monkey off my back. We must move forward to show what I am all about,” Munguia stated. “I’m ready and I will show it on May 2nd” Munguia added.
Fighting on the big stage once again, this will be Munguia’s third time fighting on Cinco De Mayo weekend as has also fought three times for Mexican Independence Day weekend. Representing his country proudly, the Tijuana fighter looks to represent and leave it all in the ring.
“So many things go through your head when you walk towards the ring to fight on Cinco de Mayo. It’s not just another day. Fighting on Cinco de Mayo is representing the Mexican fans.” Munguia on fighting Cinco de Mayo weekend.
In what will be Tijuana vs. Nayarit, Munguia expects a tough fight from his countrymate Resendiz.
“He is a good strong fighter, young with a lot of hunger to keep moving up. His pressure and conditioning is solid” Munguia said about Resendiz. “A win here, I’m champ once again and back on top,”
Resendiz will have upset on his mind once again when he goes up against the former world champion Munguia. No stranger to upsets or surprises, Resendiz has had his fair share of upset victories, the first came back in 2023 when he stopped former world champion Jarret Hurd in the tenth and final round. Coming off a decision win over former world champion Caleb Plant, Resendiz edged out Plant to win a split decision and capture the WBA super middleweight interim title. Following Terence Crawford’s retirement, the WBA elevated Resendiz to lineal WBA super middleweight champion. The champ looks to rack up another major upset victory over the highly popular Tijuana fighter Munguia.
“Experience is on my side, no doubt about it. I’ve faced the bigger names. I know my way through 12 rounds. I have the edge.” Munguia said.
Munguia added the services of two-time Trainer of the Year Eddie Reynoso last year. The coach responsible for guiding Saul “Canelo” Alvarez from the amateurs to the world champion he is today. Reynoso has also worked with many fighters including Oscar Valdez, and Andy Ruiz Jr.
“Having Eddy Reynoso in my corner is truly an honor. He provides me with the tools I need to feel confident throughout fight week and when I step into the ring.” Munguia on working with Eddie Reynoso. “I feel great with a lot of confidence working with Eddie. He is a good trainer, and we have been working hard,”
Having worked with numerous trainers over the years from working with his father, to being trained by respected trainer Robert Alcazar, the coach responsible for building Oscar De La Hoya, hooking up with fellow Tijuana fighter and Hall of Famer Erik Morales, and Freddie Roach it was been a carousel of trainers over the years.
Training near his hometown across the border in San Diego, Munguia feels at home working with Reynoso in preparation for Resendiz. Joining the Reynoso stable, Munguia has had the benefit to surround himself with team Canelo as the champ has given him some pointers.
“I think the previous preparations we have worked. I have been active for a year, but I have been at camp for the last four months,” Munguia on the preparation. “Canelo and I have talked about Reséndiz before, and he told me that I have all the tools I need to come out on top.” Munguia said.
Attempting to capture another world title, Munguia promises a battle.
“I’m going to go after the KO. I can’t predict a specific round, but I can guarantee that the fans will witness a show on May 2.” Munguia said. “I don’t feel this fight goes 12. Without a doubt, this fight will end by knockout,”
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