Jaime Munguia vs Erik Bazinyan Undercard, Tale of the Tape & Breakdown

Munguia will return to the ring for the first time since he took his first loss to Canelo Alvarez earlier in the year. Not only will he be continuing his career with a 1 where a 0 used to be, but since the loss he has left short-term trainer Freddy Roach to return to Erik Morales. Just what the change in coaching staff will mean remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt he learned quite a bit from both his time at the Wild Card Gym and the 12 rounds in the ring with Alvarez who delivered, as Kieth Thurman would say, “Blessin’s and lessons”

While the A-side and the favorite, Munguia will likely have both hands full with Armenian born Canadian contender, Erik Bazinyan. Bazinyan has spent the majority of his career fighting in the Great White North under Eye-of-the-Tiger Promotions where he’s successfully gotten through solid fighters considered by some to be gate-keeping types, such as Marcelo Coceres, Alantez Fox, and Ronald Ellis. His most recent outing in May of this year against Shakeel Phinn ended in a surprise majority draw, though Bazinyan has since stated that he was ill at the time of the bout. Regardless of his health, it wasn’t a terrible showing, and most wouldn’t consider the draw a backwards step.

When considering the style match-up it’s easy to see how much potential this fight has in the excitement department. Munguia and Bazinyan both have come-forward offense first styles and it is no secret that their defenses are less than impenetrable. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds of action. While they have both shown the ability to absorb damage, it would not come as a surprise if the scorecards end up being deemed unnecessary.

The Owens Opinion: This one will be a great way to spend a Friday evening. Not only do we get to see Richard Torrez Jr, and Emiliano Vargas continue to tear through the lower ranks of their respective divisions on the undercard, but the co-main shows promise as well with two undefeated fighters deciding who will keep their 0. When it comes to the main event, it is almost certain to deliver and I personally can’t wait. As far as the winner goes, there is a reason Munguia is the favorite, but it’s actually pretty far from a foregone conclusion. I believe Munguia has more offensive tools, as well as a slightly better defense. He also has more pro experience, especially on the big stage. Bazinyan has a lot to gain, as well as prove, and thus more motivation than ever. He is not lacking in skill, speed, or power in any capacity, and the fact that most of his punches come straight down the middle has the potential to give Munguia major problems if Jaime’s jab isn’t on point.