Jaime Munguia has, along with long time promoter Fernando Beltran's Zanfer Promotions, signed a “multi-fight” deal with Bob Arum's Top Rank.
Per the deal, Munguia's first challenge happens on September 20th when he faces Eric Bazinyan.
Munguia (43-1, 34 KO), who is a former titlist at 160, last fought in May when he challenged Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed crown at 168lbs.
Canelo floored him for the first time; securing a decision win against a much younger Munguia who fought his heart out and gave Alvarez trouble in the early goings and even throughout the fight.
Bazinyan, 29, an Armenian born Canadian boxer (32-0-1, 23 KO), is a solid bounce-back opponent; he was lucky to escape with a draw against Shakeel Phinn when they met in May this year.
The Quebec native has fought some decent opposition and is never a walk in the park for Munguia.
Also, he has the style to produce a very watchable fight.
It's quite unclear the direction Top Rank would forge for Munguia, 27, post the Bazinyan bout.
Regardless of his game challenge against Canelo, a rematch is very unlikely for Munguia.
The other prominent 168 pounder in Top Rank’s camp is Christian Mbilli who also has a bout with Sergiy Derevyanchenko coming up.
Once both men take care of their respective businesses and emerge victorious, a Munguia vs Mbilli confrontation should be a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate.
The issue most pundits have about Munguia is that he gets hit too often and that could prove his undoing going forward.
Since he parted ways with Freddie Roach after the Canelo bout, a new technical direction could bring some changes to his game.
By Samuel Opoku Amoah.
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