Munguia-Hogan rematch being explored
AN immediate rematch between Jaime Munguia and Dennis Hogan is being explored by all parties.
Munguia (now 33-0, 26 KOs) scraped past the Brisbane-based Hogan (now 28-2-1, 7 KOs) in controversial circumstances, retaining his WBO light middleweight championship in highly questionable circumstances.
Fighting in front of a partisan home crowd, the 22-year-old appeared to be outworked for large stretches of the fight, leading to mixed reaction across international media.
At the conclusion of twelve hard-fought rounds, the judges rendered scorecards of 115-113, 116-112 and 114-114, a majority decision to Munguia.
Many industry professionals have publicly voiced their distain, including DAZN’s Chris Mannix, who provided commentary for the live broadcast.
I'm not a boxing judge …
But I thought the first two rounds were easy rounds for @dennis_h_hogan. One judge gave two to Munguia, one judge split them.
Waleska Roldan scored it 116-112 for Munguia. Munguia didn't give himself eight rounds — that was puzzling. @DAZN_USA pic.twitter.com/HpSZA5dfin
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) April 14, 2019
Speaking through a translator post-fight, Munguia recounted the fight differently to most would expect.
“Truthfully, in my mind, I thought it might have been a draw,” he said.
“I decided to come out in that last round and give it all to get the victory, but it was difficult, I got a little bit tired.
“The issues being at 154, that can be a problem.”
Jaime Munguia vs. Dennis Hogan – CompuBox Punch Stats https://t.co/NU0Zd9KAnE pic.twitter.com/jKHWJWQJDK
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) April 15, 2019
Given his difficulties making the light middleweight limit, it is expected that Munguia will vacate his crown to pursue opportunities at middleweight.
However, Hogan’s team, including promoter Paul Keegan, trainer Glenn Rushton and advisor Peter Kahn are assessing their options.
“That was the best he’s ever fought, he absolutely schooled the world champion,” added Keegan.
“DAZN, who is their broadcaster, gave it to Dennis 7-5. I couldn’t believe the scores when they came out.
“His promoter came over to me straight after and said that you deserve a rematch. Oscar De La Hoya (Munguia’s co-promoter), also said the same.
“They’ve tried to rip this away from us, but we’ll get this back to Australia, and we’ll do a rematch in Brisbane.”
Munguia’s future is uncertain, with his long-time promoter Zanfer appearing open to an immediate rematch. Meanwhile, his co-promoter, Golden Boy Promotions are publicly unwilling to commit.
Photo: Provided