“Do not forget who put it in his place”: the war of statements between Canelo Álvarez and Jaime Munguía explodes

Mexico City – What began as an alleged alliance between two of the most powerful names of Mexican boxing has taken an unexpected turn. Jaime Munguía, after beating Bruno Sureace in a fight that left more doubts than certainties, ignited the fuse with a phrase that has unleashed a whirlwind of reactions: “I follow my way. I don’t need to live under the shadow of anyone.”

Although he did not mention names, the message was clear. And Canelo Álvarez, the undisputed champion, soon answered.

From his hotel in Riad, Saudi Arabia, and before international media, Canelo broke the silence with pure gunpowder:
“Munguía had a good performance in the fight, but you must continue working to be champion of Mexico. I just hope you do not forget who put it in your place.”

The tension, which seemed buried between shared training and camaraderie gestures in recent camps, has come afloat strongly. Just a few weeks ago, cameras captured both exchanging smiles and tips during a private session in Arabia. Mutual respect seemed unwavering. Today, that respect hangs from a thread.

THE ORIGIN OF THE RUPTURE

The fight between Munguía and Surace, a controversial rematch, left the divided fans. Although Munguía won by decision, many consider that he did not show the expected forcefulness. However, the most commented was not the result, but the attitude he showed at the later conference. There he launched that poisoned phrase that many saw as a betrayal.

Munguía, 27, has been one of the great promises of Mexican boxing. His talent is indisputable, but his proximity to Canelo’s team in recent years seemed a strategy to strengthen his path to stardom. Now, that closeness is tarnished by pride, ambition and, perhaps, impatience.

Reactions divided into networks

Social networks soon exploded. On the one hand, Munguía followers defend him as a boxer who seeks to make his own name, without living in the shadow of the Grand Champion Tapatío. On the other hand, the loyal ones see Canelo as a “ungrateful” that has forgotten where it comes from.

“Without Canelo, Munguía would continue to fight on secondary billboards,” wrote a fan on Twitter. Another, more conciliatory, said: “Munguía has the right to look for its path, but the forms matter. And this felt as a slap to the mentor.”

Even some sports journalists have suggested that this could be part of a calculated strategy. After all, a well -managed media confrontation could serve as a prelude to a future fight between them – one that would break ticket offices throughout Mexico and beyond.

An inevitable fight?

Although for now there are no formal indications that a fight between Canelo and Munguía is planning, the growing tension could end up taking both of the ring. The public already demands it. The story is served: two generations, two styles, two egos colliding strongly.

And meanwhile, the Canelo team is silent about whether they will continue working with Munguía. The phrase “that you do not forget who put it in your place” has been interpreted by some as an evening threat: if Munguía wants to fly alone, you will have to learn to do it without the champion’s protection network.

Conclusion

Mexican boxing lives intense moments. Beyond the titles and figures, what is at stake is now the legacy, respect and pride. Jaime Munguía has challenged the man who dominates the top of current Mexican boxing. And Canelo, as rarely, has responded without filters.

Is a fight between them coming? Was this just a calculated provocation to raise your profile? Or, as many fear, are we facing the beginning of a definitive break between teacher and pupil?

Time will say it. But for now, the ring prepares for a battle that could change the recent history of Mexican boxing.