Former WBO super-welterweight champion and opponent of Jaime Munguia, Liam Smith, has predicted the Mexican’s upcoming fight against his countryman John Ryder, with ‘Beefy’ and most boxing fans anticipating a close encounter.
Smith lost to Munguia by unanimous-decision back in 2018 and the 27-year-old has extended his unbeaten record to 42-0 since, despite the move up to middleweight and now super-middleweight.
Last time out, Munguia was pushed to the limit by Sergiy Derevyanchenko in one of 2023’s fights of the year, but will be hopeful of an easier night’s work this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Ryder gave a spirited performance against Canelo Alvarez in his most recent contest last May, but ultimately failed in a second world title attempt, three-and-a-half years since his controversial defeat to Callum Smith, brother of Liam.
Now Ryder is hopeful of mounting another world title challenge with a win over Munguia undoubtedly putting him back in contention, and Liam Smith told Boxing News that he has a ‘massive chance’.
“It’s a good fight at this stage in both of their careers. Ryder is coming off of the back of good performances, [against] Canelo and Danny Jacobs and stuff. I like Munguia, I know I have boxed him but I like the way that he’s just ‘no f***s given’ really, he doesn’t hold back and throws a thousand punches. Is Munguia really a 168lber? It will be interesting to see.”
“We all know that Ryder is solid enough and has got a good enough chin so it will be hard for Munguia to punch him, but Munguia can throw enough punches to get to John. I just think that if John can up his output a little bit more, then he’s got a massive chance.”
Munguia-Ryder takes place on Saturday night live on DAZN, with the WBC Silver super-middleweight title on the line, and two world title fights on the undercard.