The super middleweight division continues to be one of the most exciting in boxing after Jaime Munguia's stoppage win over John Ryder on Saturday night.
Munguia's victory over Ryder extended his record to 43-0 and sent a statement to the rest of the division, including the undisputed 168lb champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
Since the win, there have been calls for Munguia to be next in line to face Alvarez, but his promoter Oscar De La Hoya believes that David Benavidez should be the man to face Alvarez ahead of Munguia.
“Look, the 168-pound division is stacked, it is exciting, and Benavidez deserves a world title opportunity,” De La Hoya said at the press conference following Munguia's victory.
“He’s been waiting in line for I don’t know how long. So, there’s a lotta players now at 168. Benavidez, I love. His style is incredible. He’s an amazing, amazing fighter.
“I love his attitude, I love what he represents, I love his work ethic. Yeah, he deserves a shot. And right now, Canelo Alvarez is the king. And the king has to decide. But like I said before, the media can help, the fans can help, and decide what Canelo’s next fight should be, after he fights Charlo.”
Alvarez fought twice in 2023 where he too beat Ryder in Mexico, before overcoming Jermell Charlo who stepped up two weight classes to take on one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters.
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