Jaime Munguia successfully avenged his surprising loss to Bruno Surace in their Riyadh rematch. He secured a 12-round unanimous decision victory, demonstrating he had learned lessons from their initial encounter. The judges scored the fight 117-111 (twice) and 116-112 for Munguia.
Munguia began the fight cautiously, holding his left hand high, clearly focused on avoiding the powerful overhand right that had previously troubled him. In the second round, the crowd encouraged him as he started utilizing his jab to set up his offensive combinations.
With new trainer Eddy Reynoso in his corner, Munguia intently absorbed instructions between rounds. His opponent, the Frenchman Surace, appeared confident in his role as the aggressor, advancing behind a solid jab.
Munguia continued attacking the body, though referee Bob Williams issued a warning for low blows. According to commentator Chris Mannix, the typically aggressive Munguia might have been trailing on the scorecards by the sixth round, as his more conservative strategy allowed some early rounds to potentially slip away.
Eager to avoid being labeled a “flash in the pan,” Surace attempted to land his effective right hand again. However, his work rate dropped towards the end of the seventh round, and Munguia exploited this lull by unleashing rapid combinations.
Munguia`s persistent pressure began to pay off in the championship rounds. Surace continued trying to land a decisive blow, but he ultimately suffered the first professional defeat of his career, bringing his record to 26-1-2 (5 KOs).
Munguia, now with a record of 45-2 (35 KOs), is back in contention for a world title shot. When he competes at that elite level again, his durability will likely be tested, which will reveal the true impact of the initial Surace loss on his career prospects.
“It was very important for me to come back from the first loss,” Munguia stated, adding that they had been focusing on the mental aspect of his training with new trainer Eddy Reynoso, whom he credited.
