Canelo Alvarez says he carried Jaime Munguia during their fight: "That’s why I didn’t want to finish"
Canelo Alvarez's most recent title defense came against fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia. At just 27 years old, Munguia has been labeled as the man to take the torch from Alvarez as the next great Mexican boxer, but the gap in experience and skill was apparent when the pair clashed in the ring.
The super middleweight champion handed his opponent the first knockdown of his career in Round 4 with a thudding uppercut. However, in the rounds that followed it appeared that Alvarez refrained from landing what could be the kill shot.
Following the bout, the Guadalajara native was accused of carrying his opponent through to see the final bell.
Ahead of the 34-year-old's next title defense, against Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14, he was interviewed by DAZN Boxing, where he admitted to carrying Munguia in their clash. He said this:
"I enjoyed [the Munguia] fight a lot. That's why I didn't want to finish Munguia, because I enjoyed it a lot... Yeah, in every round [I held him up], in every round if I wanted [I could have finished it]. I really enjoyed that fight, that's why I took my time."
Watch Canelo Alvarez's interview below (2:35):
Edgar Berlanga will bring the battle to Canelo Alvarez, says Eddie Hearn
Canelo Alvarez will face off against a surging slugger from New York, Edgar Berlanga, for the WBA, WBO, WBC, and The Ring super middleweight world titles on Sept. 14.
Berlanga's trash-talk has added an extra layer of intensity to an already-fiery rivalry, with 'The Chosen One' having Puerto Rican roots that will see the greatest boxing rivalry between two nations be awoken.
Mexico and Puerto Rico share a long and detailed history in the boxing world, with the upcoming 168-pound title clash the latest addition to the famous rivalry. The 27-year-old's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has promised that his client will bring the fire to Alvarez, in what could be a thrilling fight for fans.
Hearn was recently interviewed by The Schmo, and said the following:
"Our guy is 100% across every part of the board. Untouched, unbeaten, punches very very hard and ready to cause a shock. I think a lot of people come in against Canelo Alvarez and try and survive. He won't, he will be trying to win this fight. It'll be dangerous for him, but he will be rolling the rice in true fashion."
Watch Eddie Hearn's interview below (1:10):