Jaime Munguia goes up against John Ryder on Saturday, January 27 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The pair meets in a 12-round main event bout at super middleweight.
Coached by Freddie Roach, undefeated 27-year-old Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) is coming off the win by unanimous decision against Sergiy Derevyanchenko last June in Ontario, California. In 2022, former WBO super welterweight champion of Tijuana, Mexico stopped Gonzalo Gaston Coria, Jimmy Kelly and D’Mitrius Ballard.
“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,” Jaime Munguia said at today’s open work at Golden Boy Boxing Gym. “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: I’m a different fighter now from when I fought Canelo
Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) was in action last May, when he dropped a unanimous decision against Canelo Alvarez in his bid to claim the undisputed super middleweight title. Prior to that, British 35-year-old former two-time title challenger won four bouts in a row, including the fourth-round RTD against Zach Parker in November 2022, when he landed the interim WBO belt.
“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,” said John Ryder.”
“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!”
The bouts featured on Munguia vs Ryder undercard, Gabriela Fundora defends her IBF flyweight title against Christina Cruz. The full lineup is expected to be announced shortly.