In the upcoming fight between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach is predicting a knockout victory for his fighter, Munguia. Set for January 27th, this main event bout at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, will be broadcast on DAZN and is considered one of the biggest fights of 2024. Roach, who has recently taken on the role of Munguia’s trainer, has expressed high confidence in his ability to defeat Ryder, potentially setting up a future clash with Canelo Alvarez.

John Ryder, coming off a unanimous decision loss to Canelo last May in Mexico, is seen by Roach as a less complete fighter compared to Munguia. Roach’s strategy for Munguia involves honing every aspect of his game, aiming for a performance that surpasses his last against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. According to Roach, Munguia’s offense, characterized by improved head movement, precise combinations, and better footwork, will be the key to his defense and success in the ring.

Roach’s predictions extend beyond the Ryder fight. He envisions a scenario where a victorious Munguia could face Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed championship in Las Vegas next May. Such a win would not only elevate Munguia’s status but also likely attract a surge of talented fighters to Roach's Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, drawn by the transformative coaching he’s provided Munguia.

In preparation for the fight, Roach has meticulously studied tapes and worked closely with Munguia, despite the language barrier, to develop a more complete fighting style. Roach’s training philosophy centers around not just focusing on power but also on precision, aiming to make Munguia a well-rounded fighter capable of overcoming Ryder's challenges and moving on to bigger opportunities in his boxing career.

Image Credit: DAZN