In what turned out to be a terrific contest, Jaime Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) defeated Takeshi Inoue (13-1-1, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision this past Saturday night to defend his WBO Jr. Middleweight crown.
The chatter around Munguia is that he’s good, but he isn’t quite ready for the elite of the division just yet. Although this might be true it is isn’t something that fans want to hear. Munguia needs to be matched up with some of the very best that the division has to offer.
Who exactly should Munguia be matched up with next? Keep reading to find out.
Jermell Charlo
Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Jermell Charlo (31-1, 15 KOs) lost his most recent bout against Tony Harrison in somewhat of a controversial fashion. That loss lead to him also losing his WBC title. A rematch seems like it’s on tap for those two to get back into the ring with one another.
Assuming that fight doesn’t go through for whatever reason, then a matchup between Charlo and Munguia would be a heck of a contest. For Charlo, he has always performed better when his opponents have came forward. He sure won’t have to look hard to find Munguia. Charlo would undoubtedly be the toughest opponent he has ever faced.
Truthfully, Munguia might not be ready for such a step up in competition, but that’s not the point. He is a world champion and needs to fight the very best no matter what. It’s sink or swim time for Munguia.
Austin Trout
Stephanie Trapp
At this point you’ve got to feel for Austin Trout (31-5, 17 KOs). He’s fought a who’s who of fighters in his career.
Losses to Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jarrett Hurd and both Charlo brothers–Jermall and Jermell–have stained his record. To Trouts credit everyone he has lost to was a champion and near the top of the charts in the division.
Trout is no gate keeper, but he isn’t exactly a title contender either. Trout finds himself in an interesting position. He isn’t quite good enough to defeat any of the other champions in the division, but against Munguia he would have a legitimate chance.
Munguia is good, but against a crafty veteran like Trout he could find himself in a position where he could end up losing his title. Defeating Trout would be a major win Munguia. The question is would Golden Boy Promotions be willing to match their young star up with such a fighter?
For the fans sake, let’s hope so.
