Munguia Warned To Steer Clear Of A Surace Rematch

Jaime Munguia has been told to avoid a Bruno Surace rematch.
Munguia was knocked out in round six in a massive upset for his second career loss. It took his record to two losses in his last three fights, following his first to Canelo Alvarez. He had the chance to fight for the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Belt against Christian Mbilli. The WBC had ordered this, leaving Munguia with the task of beating Surace. He started the fight well, dropping his man with a vicious left hook in round two. Surace only had four stoppage wins despite being undefeated.
But the Frenchman landed a massive counter right while he was on the ropes. Munguia hit the canvas and could not beat the count. It was only Munguia’s second fight with Top Rank, leaving him with a major job to rebuild his brand. He had only recently left Golden Boy Promotions after the Canelo loss. Munguia’s team do want the rematch. But Benavidez Sr. thinks it is a bad idea. He advised Munguia to turn his focus elsewhere.
Benavidez Sr. Reacts
“I think he was taking his time, trying to look for the perfect shot. I think he should have been Jaime. [And] I think he [Munguia] was trying to please the people, his fans, and that’s what happened. I think if he had pushed the gas a little bit more, I think he would have stopped him when he dropped him [in round two]. He probably thought, ‘This guy is too easy.
“I’m going to give my fans a show, and then I can put him out.’ That’s a big mistake that he made. I think he should have stopped him, and he should have went with everything and took things serious. It’s a little hard. I would let that go away. I would not take the rematch. [And] I would go on with my life and not accept that fight,” Benavidez Sr. said
Munguia’s Options
Munguia was very critical of Berlanga’s reaction to his defeat against Canelo. Berlanga got off the canvas to make it the full 12 rounds. He then labeled Canelo his idol. There was a perception Berlanga was happy to have gotten a payday. Berlanga had also gone to Mexico to celebrate, which surprised many, with Oscar De La Hoya criticising his behavior. He could face Munguia next, as Berlanga will fancy his chances.
It also allows Munguia to beat a world-level opponent and put him back in the conversation for the biggest fights. Alternatively, there is an outside chance of a fight against Caleb Plant. Plant is the former IBF Super Middleweight Champion and is looking for big fights. Plant has come up short against Canelo and David Benavidez. But he is a big name, and that fight could also satisfy Munguia fans. But Munguia must be cautious over his next move, as he cannot afford another loss. That has left him with plenty to ponder moving forward.
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