WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Jaime Munguia made his return to the squared circle for the third time this year, making the fifth defense of his title that he secured a year ago.
Munguia took on Patrick Allotey of Ghana in the scheduled 12-round main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card on DAZN.
Over the past year, Munguia–who’s known best for his power punching abilities–managed to secure just a single knockout and that came against Brandon Cook.
Most recently, Munguia took his talents to Mexico and defended his title against Dennis Hogan in a fight that many spectators felt Hogan had done enough to secure the title, but ultimately lost on the cards controversially.
Since then, Munguia has replaced his long-time trainer Robert Alcazar and replaced him with former champion and Hall of Fame boxer, Erik Morales.
In what could be Munguia’s final fight at 154, Allotey, who has mainly fought at Welterweight, found himself with the opportunity of a lifetime with hopes of pulling out a significant upset at The Dignity Health Sports Center in Carson, California.
The opening round saw Allotey work behind quick, stiff jabs while being stalked by the bigger Munguia. Munguia, per his MO, applied the pressure on Allotey, but lacked significant punches landed.
Allotey followed up that round with another competitive showing in the second before finding himself in serious trouble in the third.
Munguia would land a whistling blow to Allotey’s midsection that floored him for the first time in the fight. Allotey was able to rise to his feet, only to find himself on the canvas once again with just a split second remaining in the round.
After some confusion in the Allotey corner on whether their fighter would continue, the fight pressed on.
Munguia finished the job in the fourth, with his natural power and size advantage helping secure the win.
“I felt great out there. Especially with all the support of all the fans tonight,” said Munguia. “I give a lot of credit to Erik Morales tonight. I was able to show better defense and tactics, but I also want to give credit to everything I learned from Robert and my Dad. It all has helped me get to where I’m at today.”
Much was speculated on whether Munguia would continue his campaign at Jr. Middleweight after reports of struggles to make the weight surfaced.
Many believe this was his last showing in the division and with no shortage of opponents in the Middleweight division, why not make the move.
“I still need to go back and access everything with my team, but I feel like this might be the last fight at 154,” stated Munguia.
For the time being, the Munguia-Morales connection starts off with a bang. Time will tell if the relationship will pay further dividends in the 160 pound division.
