By: Hans Themistode
So far, Jaime Munguia’s heart, will and aspirations to become world champion have been questioned by even his most loyal fans.
The former WBO junior middleweight player chose to take a much slower route on his way to the 160-pound world title. Although he was initially ranked as the number one boxer in the WBO referee body since 2020, Munguia has spent the better part of the past two years accumulating experience in his newly formed homeland.
With wins over Gary O’Sullivan, Tureano Johnson, Kamil Szeremeta, Gabe Rosado and D’Mitrius Ballard – Munguia was ordered to take on highly ranked opponent, Janibek Alimkhanuly, for the interim WBO crown. However, Munguia eventually turned the offer on in lieu of a confrontation with WBC owner Jermall Charlo.
Although both Charlo and Munguia agreed to the terms, advertising and network differences brought their contest to a close. In addition to losing both titles, Munguia also knocked himself out of the WBC world qualifiers to Carlos Adames.
Although team Munguia’s moves are confusing, it looks like he may have found his next opponent. BoxingInsider.com has confirmed that representatives from the Munguia team are attempting to finalize a deal that will see the 25-year-old face off against former two-time middleweight titleholder Daniel Jacobs.
Although Jacobs put on weight in 2019, the two can balance out a light weight of 164 pounds. Team Jacobs also revealed to BoxingInsider.com that they “like” the idea of facing off against Munguia next.
For the 35-year-old former player, the latter part of his career has been plagued with inactivity and disappointing performances. In December 2019, Jacobs made headlines on his £168 debut, easily stopping Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. However, in a later appearance on the ring, Jacobs’ momentum came to a halt.
In what was expected to be a relatively easy night at the office, Jacobs struggled fiercely against the journeyman, Gabriel Rosado. Jacobs may have won in the end, but many were dumbfounded when it was revealed he was indeed awarded the nod.
Since the controversial results, Jacobs has become even more embroiled in controversy. The New York-born boy ended a year and a half of downtime on the sidelines by traveling halfway around the world to meet John Ryder at Alexandra Palace, UK.
While Jacobs started strong, Ryder bounced back in the second half, leading to a controversially decisive victory.
However, even if Jacobs produced fewer excellent results late in the game and lost to Ryder, the Jacobs team believe the two-time veteran will be “100%” for a possible match against Munguia.
