Jaime Munguia and Erik Bazinyan set for high stakes clash

“It’s a great opportunity, that’s why my team and I took it right away when it came,” said Erik Bazinyan, ahead of Friday’s important clash with Jaime Munguia.

“I’m here to win and I’m 100 per cent ready to make it happen. The only thing left for me to do to prove it is to fight.”

The super middleweights meet at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Bazinyan is 32-0-1 (23 KOs), while Munguia is 43-1 (34 KOs).

“He’s undefeated for a reason and I’m happy to be able to come back against that type of opponent,” said Munguia, returning from his May loss to Canelo Alvarez. “You know I fight for the people, so I don’t see how this could be anything other than a spectacular fight.”

After a spell training with Freddie Roach, Munguia has returned to Erik Morales ahead of the Bazinyan clash.

“I’m very excited to return on this important, patriotic month for my country. It’s an honor to have my first fight with Top Rank,” said the 168lbs contender.

“I’m excited to be once again working with my old team. I’m excited to be back in Big Bear. It’s been a great preparation. It’s been one of the best preparations of my career, and we’re going to have a great fight.

“We have had a tough time since last year. We’ve had great fights against great fighters. We’ve been on great stages as well. That has helped us to get a lot of confidence. We learn more with each camp and will apply all the experience we have learned.

“It’s a very important fight. He’s an aggressive fighter who gives a great show to the people. I know it’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m going to walk away with my hand raised.” 

Bazinyan is ready for a breakout performance.

“I’ve been iin against top fighters for the past few years,” he said. “I’ve fought and beaten anyone that my team has brought to me. This is a great opportunity. And I’m here to win.

“We are very well prepared. We have a great game plan and had a great training camp with Marc [Ramsay]. We have done everything possible to win.

“It’s the right time for this fight. I have been ready for the past couple of years. When I get an opportunity like this, I take it. So, it’s time to let the world know who I am.”