Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has predicted that he will win Saturday’s undisputed super-middleweight title fight with Jaime Munguia inside eight rounds.

The Mexican rivals fight at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on the occasion of Cinco de Mayo weekend, when the 27-year-old Munguia enters what, by a considerable distance, represents both his toughest and most significant fight. 

If Alvarez remains the strong favourite, he is being confronted by a fresher, younger, improving fighter, and one who is yet to experience defeat.

Munguia has regardless also been dismissed somewhat on account of the reality that, to many observers, David Benavidez represents the more appealing challenger, and on the occasion of their “grand arrivals” at the MGM Grand, Alvarez – considered in decline partly on account of his inability to stop his past four opponents – spoke of the statement he is planning to make. 

“Winning by knockout is always wonderful, right?” the 33 year old said. “So I think I’m going to win by knockout before the eighth round.

“I don’t care if Munguia is younger; older. I don’t care, because Canelo in the end is different.

“It’s a very significant fight. It’s going to be an historic one. It’s two Mexicans fighting for all four belts for the first time. That’s what I’m looking for always. To leave my mark, and to put my country up high.

“I’m really happy to be here. Thank you to all the fans here. I’m looking forward to what’s going to be an outstanding week with you all. I thank you for it, and I’m really excited to be here.”

Among the crowd present on Tuesday was someone holding a sign in support of Benavidez.

“Jaime Munguia deserves the respect that he’s entitled to, and it’s going to be a great fight,” Alvarez responded when that sign led to him being asked about the prospect of him fighting Benavidez. 

“The fan that had the sign out there about David Benavidez – he’s clearly been resentful from the [Gennady] Golovkin fight.”