Jaime Munguia beat Armando Resendiz to capture the WBA super-middleweight world title at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, as former opponent-turned-training partner Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez shouted encouragement from ringside.
Alvarez had held the WBA strap since 2020, but lost that and his three other major titles to Terence Crawford in September of last year. When Crawford retired, the belts were split, and Resendiz – who had been awarded the interim WBA belt with an upset win over Caleb Plant – was upgraded to full champion.
His first defence came tonight against former super-welterweight champion Munguia, who had a previous title challenge at 168lbs in a loss to Canelo in 2024. Following the defeat, the 29-year-old Mexican teamed up with trainer Eddy Reynoso and has benefited from his ex rival’s advice in camp.
That continued from ringside tonight, as Canelo shouted instructions to Munguia while he comprehensively beat Resendiz, whose defence was ineffective and, despite firing back valiantly, was completely outworked throughout. In the end, Munguia took the title with the scores of 117-111, 119-109 and 120-108.
It’s the latest twist in a division that has been blown wide open by Crawford’s retirement and scattering of the titles. The IBF belt has been picked up by Cuban puncher Osleys Iglesias, while the WBO will be contested at the end of this month between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic.
The WBC is held by former interim champion Christian Mbilli, who will defend against a returning Canelo this September in Saudi Arabia. Should the Mexican icon pick the belt back up, there is now an awkward obstacle to regaining undisputed. status
