LAS VEGAS — It’s Cinco de Mayo weekend and that means Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is headlining a big boxing pay-per-view in Los Angeles. While Alvarez (60-2, 39 KOs) doesn’t like fighting fellow boxers from Mexico, he will do so for the first time ins even years when he steps into the ring against Jamie Mungia (44-0, 35 KOs). It will be his first fight against a fellow countryman since Alvarez beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2017. While Canelo is a big favorite, the match-up has garnered significant attention this week after Canelo and his former promoter (and Munguia’s current promoter) Oscar De La Hoya had a heated exchange at the pre-fight press conference and had to be separated.
The Sporting Tribune Steve Carp and Arash Markazi are ringside at T-Mobile Arena for the fight. Follow below for their round by round updates.
Round 1 – Munguia started fast as he needed to, using that left hand effectively. He was the aggressor. That was his round.
Carp’s Card: Munguia 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Munguia 10-9
Round 2 – Canelo went on the attack, going to the body. It looked like he found a coupoe of soft spots. Munguia keeps dropping his right hand and that could be an issue later. Canelo won that round.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 3 – Both fighters were looking to land the big shot. Neither did but Munguia delivered late in the round with a solid flurry including a left that caught Canelo. That was a round Munguia earned late.
Carp’s Card: Munguia 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Munguia 10-9
Round 4 – A great job by Canelo of biding his time and to set up a big combination and uppercut that sent Munguia down with 36 seconds left in Round 4. Canelo’s round.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-8
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-8
Round 5 – Canelo is taking this fight over, The uppercut is an effective weapon and coming over the top with the left is hurting Munguia. Another dominant round for Canelo
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 6 – Canelo’s ring generalship is clearly evident. He’s dictating what happens in this fight and there is not much Munguia can do about it.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 7 -Munguia has to be getting frustrated. He simply can’t land the big blow. You have to wonder if Munguia is getting so frustrated that it’s effecting him. He’s trying to get inside only to have Canelo block most if not all of his big shots. Munguia is going to need a knockout to win this fight and that’s not happening.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 8 – Munguia continues to keep his right hand down by his waist, leaving him susceptible to a big shot from Canelo. Watch for that. Munguia wisely went back to the jab and for the most part was effective, however, Canelo was still able to land the bigger shot including the left to the head. But you have to give Munguia credit, he earned that round late. Just barely.
Carp’s Card: Munguia 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Munguia 10-9
Round 9 – Munguia continues to go on the offense but he’s leaving himself open to getting hit, which Canelo did a couple of times. It’s a very close round but Canelo earned it late.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 10 – Canelo looks like he realized he was in a fight and he was a little more aggressive in Round 10. He landed the more effective punches. Look for him to close strong.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 11 – Both guys are tired, Their punches are short and not connecting. Munguia looks like he’s the more desperate fighter in the ring. Canelo is using all of his experience to make sure nothing foolish happens to him. He has this fight. The only way he loses is if he gets knocked out.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9
Round 12 – Canelo continued to be aggressive but he never opened himself up to the desperate Munguia, who knew this fight was slowly out of his reach. Munguia gave a brave effort but unfortunately for him he has not fought anyone wit Canelo’s class and experience. Canelo was just too good. Canelo won this fight fairly easily on the scorecards.
Carp’s Card: Canelo 10-9 – Canelo wins 117-111
Markazi’s Card: Canelo 10-9 – Canelo wins 117-11
