Top Rank Sign Big Punching Super Middleweight Contender – First Opponent Revealed

Dan Rafael has reported via his Fight Freaks Unite substack that big-punching super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Top Rank. Rafael also reveals who will be the first opponent to face the Mexican under this new agreement.

Top Rank Sign Super Middleweight Contender Jaime Munguia

Munguia Makes Changes Following ‘Canelo’ Defeat

Munguia signing for Top Rank is an intriguing move for the Tijuana native following the defeat to “Canelo” Alvarez. Signing with Top Rank will ensure we see the 27-year-old fight exclusively on ESPN, with his first opponent under this agreement set to be undefeated Canadian fighter Erik Bazinyan. The fight against Bazinyan will be the main event for an ESPN show on September 20, with sources revealing to Fight Freaks Unite that the card will be shown in the Phoenix area.

He has been promoted by Golden Boy for several years alongside Zanfer Promotions’ Fernando Beltran. Zanfer have close relations with Top Rank and looks set to remain a part of this new agreement.

Before the defeat to Alvarez, Munguia impressed, dominating John Ryder and having a memorable back-and-forth clash against Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

Trainer Change

Unrelated to the promotional change, Munguia has made a further change and split from legendary trainer Freddie Roach who had seemingly helped him adopt a more patient, measured approach in his fights. The Tijuana native is returning to work with Mexican legend Erik Morales as per a Fight Freaks Unite source, who previously trained Munguia.

The Future

The fight for Munguia against Bazinyan is a massive fight for both but a win for the Mexican, could set up a mouth-watering clash against fellow Top Rank fighter Christian Mbilli, should he come through his August 17 bout against the dangerous Sergiy Derevyanchenko.