:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65211003/1158911091.jpg.0.jpg)
In an unsurprising turn of events, WBO super welterweight champion Jaime Munguia tells The Athletic that his upcoming title defense against Patrick Allotey this Saturday will be his final appearance in the division before moving to middleweight.
Munguia breaks the news to @TheAthleticBOX his Saturday main event title defense on @DAZN_USA will be his last at 154.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) September 9, 2019
“I am a young guy who’s still growing. I’m only 22. When I move up to 160 pounds ... I’ll stand as one of the biggest and tallest 160-pound fighters.”
It’s an underwhelming end to a reign for Munguia (33-0, 26 KO), who began his time on the world stage red-hot with wins over Sadam Ali and Liam Smith. His 2019 campaign has seen him win a questionable decision to Dennis Hogan, forego a rematch in favor of targeting Jessie Vargas, then miss out on that fight over demanding a 156-pound catchweight against his smaller foe. Allotey (40-3, 30 KO) is ranked 139th by BoxRec and lost his three steps up in competition against Charles Manyuchi, Patrick Teixeira, and Kanat Islam.
This move in weight was inevitable; next to Jarrett Hurd, the 22-year-old Munguia is among the largest men in the division. It’s still a risky one without careful matchmaking, though. Without his customary size and strength advantage, it remains to be seen whether he has the skills or one-shot power to have similar success at 160.