Patrick Allotey ahead of Jaime Munguia fight: 'I need to be a world champion'

Patrick Allotey is going to the get chance to achieve his lifetime goal on Saturday when he challenges Jaime Munguia on Saturday for the WBO junior middleweight title at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., live on DAZN.

Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs), a native of Ghana, competes in the United States for just the second time. Negotiations were ongoing for Munguia to face former two-division champion Jessie Vargas. Munguia wanted the fight to be at a catchweight of 156 pounds, but Vargas wanted it to be at 154 pounds and for the championship. Vargas declined the offer, and Munguia shifted to Allotey. When he was approached about the possibility, Allotey knew this could be his only shot at glory and pounced on the offer.

"When I heard the rumors about this fight, I said, ‘Wow, this fight has to come now’," Allotey said at Thursday's press conference. "I need to be a world champion."

Allotey is aware Munguia is one of the heavy hitters at 154 pounds. But the 28-year-old feels pundits are underestimating him in that department. Before he stepped off the dais, he let Munguia know he isn't stepping into the ring on Saturday night to just collect a paycheck.

"I know Munguia is a great fighter," Allotey said. "He has power like I do. I know come Saturday, Munguia is coming to throw his big shots, and he thinks he can knock Patrick Allotey out.

"I’ll defend myself to win this bout because I’m also (a) great fighter. I also have power like he do. I’m coming to fight and win." 

Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) looks to defend the WBO belt for the fifth time. The 22-year-old Munguia knows he's got a point to prove after winning a controversial majority decision over Dennis Hogan in April. 

"The truth is I feel ready and prepared to deliver everyone a great show that is worthy of this date of Sept. 14," Munguia said.

"I hope this Saturday you all see a Jaime Munguia that’s totally different."