After coming up short in his bid to become undisputed super-middleweight champion against Canelo Alvarez in May, Jaime Munguia’s return to the ring has been announced as he looks to once again stage a bid to become 168lb world champion.
Munguia suffered the first defeat of his professional career when he came up short against Canelo at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas earlier this summer, losing the fight by unanimous decision to take his record to 43-1.
Despite the loss, the 27-year-old has wasted no time returning to the ring, after it was announced that he will take on unbeaten Erik Bazinyan on a Top Rank event taking place in Glendale, Arizona on Friday 20 September.
Bazinyan is 32-0-1, with that draw coming last time out against Shakeel Phinn, with 23 of his 32 wins coming by knockout. Victory for Munguia could earn him another crack at world honours, and he’s determined to add a super-middleweight world title to his accolades having previously reigned at 154lbs.
“I can’t wait to return to Arizona against an undefeated and motivated Erik Bazinyan and for the fight to be shown on the world’s biggest networks. I fight for the fans and look forward to giving them a great show.”
It’s set to be the first time that Munguia has main evented a Top Rank show, having previously fought the majority of his career with Golden Boy Promotions, and Top Rank President Todd duBoef is relishing the opportunity to be working with the Mexican star.
“Jaime Munguia has emerged as one of Mexico’s elite fighters. We are thrilled to showcase his telegenic, action-packed style to sports fans around the world. Erik Bazinyan has been on Jaime’s radar for several years, and Jaime knows he must be at the top of his game.”
Munguia is currently ranked second with the WBC, fifth with the WBO, seventh with the IBF, and seventh with the WBA, while Bazinyan is second with the WBO, fourth with the WBA, sixth with the WBC, eighth with the IBF.
With that in mind, the fight is set to have major title implications for the winner, and Bazinyan insists that he’s going to cause the upset and overcome his rival.
“It’s the perfect timing to shock the world. I’ve worked my entire career for this moment, and I know I’ve got everything it takes to beat Jaime Munguia.”
The event will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in North America, and on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
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