Boxing
Jaime Munguia vs. Patrick Allotey, Ryan Garcia vs. Avery Sparrow announced for Sept. 14
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez isn’t headlining a fight during Mexican Independence Day weekend for the first time in four years.
But Golden Boy has somebody who is: Jaime Munguia. The hard-hitting WBO junior middleweight champion will put his title on the line Sept. 14 against Patrick Allotey at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., and live on DAZN. The co-main event will have 21-year-old boxing sensation Ryan Garcia facing Avery Sparrow.
Since blasting Sadam Ali in May of 2018 to become the WBO titleholder, Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) rattled off victories over Liam Smith and Brandon Cook to close out last year and Takeshi Inoue and Dennis Hogan so far this year. The hard-fought majority decision over Hogan came this past April.
Now, he can’t wait to headline during one of boxing’s most exciting weekends.
"I feel very happy for the opportunity of headlining a card on Sept. 14," Munguia said in a press release statement. "That's the best date for boxing in the entire year. It's a great date for Mexico because that's when we celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
“I'm proud and honored to be representing Mexico in the festivals for my country,” he continued. “I'll give my best and I'll try to deliver a great fight for all the people and for those who will see us."
Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs), who is a native of Accra, Ghana, is on a six-fight winning streak and is already eyeing what would be a huge upset.
"I respect Munguia. He is a great fighter," Allotey said. "But I'm an African warrior, so you know I'll be coming to cause a big surprise."
Just like Munguia, Garcia (18-0, 15 KOs) will be looking to put on a show in Carson against Sparrow (10-1, 3 KOs), who’s a tough Philadelphia fighter and is making the move up from 130 to 135 pounds.
"Sparrow is basically an undefeated fighter with a good amateur background," Garcia said in a press release statement. "People in boxing that know boxing will know this isn't an easy fight. It will not be overlooked."
Sparrow believes he has what it takes to defeat Garcia and derail his hype train.
"Ryan Garcia has yet to be tested and it's a big step up for him. It's not much of a step up in opposition for me. It's his biggest test, not mine,” Sparrow boasted. “I'm good fighting at 130, but nobody wants to fight me there, so I'm moving up to 135. I look forward to putting on a great show.”
