Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas will feature a full slate of Mexico vs. Mexico matchups, but one storyline continues to follow the co-main event between Armando “Toro” Reséndiz and Jaime Munguía. Questions around performance-enhancing drug testing have entered the conversation ahead of May 2, with both camps addressing the need for transparency as they prepare for the fight. Trainer Manny Robles made it clear that his focus is on ensuring a clean and fair matchup while getting Reséndiz ready to defend his WBA super middleweight title at T-Mobile Arena.
The card also features Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Fierro and Isaac “Puro México” Lucero vs. Alan Sandoval, continuing a lineup built around all-Mexican matchups across multiple divisions.
How to watch: The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will be available on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership. Fans can also purchase the event through DAZN.com and traditional cable and satellite providers.
Ahead of the fight, trainer Manny Robles spoke to Boxing Social about Reséndiz’s development, the challenge of Munguía, and why this matchup delivers. The responses were translated from Spanish and slightly edited for brevity.
Q&A with Manny Robles
Q: How has Armando Reséndiz developed since joining your camp?
Manny Robles: He’s evolved very well. He’s doing what I ask of him, and with every fight you can see the improvement. He’s looking better and better each time.
Q: There’s been talk about inactivity. Is ring rust a concern?
Robles: No. He’s a very disciplined fighter. I always tell my fighters this is their job, and you have to treat it that way. When we got the call for Munguía, he was already in the gym preparing. That’s how it should be. We’re going to come in ready, not halfway. We’re coming in fully prepared.
Q: Some see this as a risky fight so soon after becoming champion. How do you approach that?
Robles: That’s boxing. As a world champion, you have to be willing to face the best. We’re not here to hide from anyone. Whether it was Munguía, Berlanga, or Charlo, we were ready. We want these challenges.
Q: Munguía now trains with Eddy Reynoso and the Canelo camp. Does that factor into your preparation?
Robles: No. Canelo is not getting in the ring. My fighter is fighting Munguía. Of course, we respect what Canelo has done and what that team represents, but we stay focused on the opponent in front of us.
There’s been talk about PED testing ahead of this fight. What’s your stance on that?
Manny Robles: Look, I said it before, I’m all for testing. I’m not demanding anything, I’m asking for it because that’s what’s right. If the situation were the other way around, they would ask for the same thing. At the end of the day, we just want both fighters to come in clean and give their best. No controversy, no questions, just a fair fight
Q: What stands out about Munguía as an opponent?
Robles: He’s experienced. He’s been in tough fights. We’ve studied him a lot. My job is to come in with the right game plan and have my fighter ready. He has a strong team, so we know what we’re up against.
Q: How do you expect the fight to play out stylistically?
Robles: Styles make fights. These are two fighters who are going to give everything. It’s going to be a war. That’s what the fans want, and that’s what they’re going to get.
Q: Final message to fans ahead of May 2?
Robles: Don’t miss it. From top to bottom, it’s a great card. Mexican fighters, real fights. The fans are going to be the ones who win that night.
Read volume 3: issue 11: Resendiz vs Munguia by Liliana Ulloa.
