Jaime Munguia passed the biggest test of his career but he has to go to hell and back to do it.
The undefeated Mexican beat Sergey Derevyanchenko with a blow to the body in the 12th and final round to claim a decisive victory in a brutal 168-pound showdown Saturday in Ontario. California.
The official scores are 115-112, 114-113 and 114-113. Scoring seemed to indicate that the knock-out prevented a draw.
115-112, 114-113, 114-113
This kill proved HUGE for Jaime Munguia#MunguiaDerevyanchenko pic.twitter.com/vHzfJSiKjZ
– DAZN boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 11, 2023
Derevyanchenko (14-5, 10 KOs) has a reputation for causing all kinds of problems for elite opponents. Munguia (42-0.33 KOs) is no exception.
The two engage in an inconclusive back-and-forth war, a war in which both suffer a great deal of punishment. It’s anyone’s fight after the 11th round.
Then, on the 12th, there was a significant blow. Munguia landed on the left, forcing the 37-year-old opponent to his knees and giving Munguia a 10-8 lead.
The final round will take some breath away from those who thought Derevyanchenko won the match but it came very close.
“I listened to my corner,” Munguia said. “I started searching for the body, looking more precisely to the center of the body. And once he came down, I knew I had it.
Munguia, a former 154-pounder, entered the bout as a 160-pound competitor but has said he will stay at 168.
That means he will target the likes of Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, the top middleweights, although Alvarez seems to have an aversion to fighting the Mexicans and Benavidez is linked to a competing entity.
The undefeated Edgar Berlanga, who fights on the same platform as Munguia, could be a potential opponent.
Munguia was asked who he wanted next.
“All of them,” he said. “Whatever champions are around. I am ready for everyone.”
