Jaime Munguia Got The Better of Liam Smith on Saturday (Photo: Tom Hogan – Golden Boy Promotions)

By Chris Robinson

On Saturday night, July 21, WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (30-0, 25 KO’s) defeated a very game Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-2-1, 14 KO’s) over 12 fast-paced rounds that left many asking for more. The Munguia vs. Smith fight took place from The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., and was aired on HBO ‘s Boxing After Dark.

The match revealed a lot about Munguia, who captured the attention of the boxing world just months prior after stopping Sadam Ali in rousing fashion to become a champion. The Tijuana, Mex. native won by scores of 119-108, 119-110, and 116-111 when cards were read. Munguia wasn’t able to secure the knockout many were expecting, yet he was able to register a knockdown in the sixth round while also landing several big blows along the way.

“I feel good; I’m happy,” Munguia stated afterwards. “I think that the people liked it. I didn’t win by knockout like I always. This is the fifth decision win of my career. But I fought a good opponent who was strong. I came in very well prepared. There are no excuses and we will keep learning because this gave me a lot of experience.”

Munguia also noted that he has many years ahead to improve.

“I’m only 21 years old and I will keep working in the gym,” Munguia said. “Liam Smith is a warrior. He is strong. There were times where I really landed punches, which really backed him up. He’s very strong and can take a punch, so I have no excuses. I was always looking for the knockout. I always looked for the fight, and I went in there like a true Mexican. I think going these 12 rounds will serve me as experience.”

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Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com