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The Mexican Question – Dennis Hogan discusses home-town ‘advantage’ for Jaime Munguia


Dennis Hogan [28(7)-1(0)-1] is interested to see how Jaime Munguia reacts to massive Mexican pressure as the pair battle it out for the WBO light middleweight title this Saturday night.

The Golden Boy and Zanfer fighter fights at home for the first as a world champion when he defends against his mandatory challenger at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

The fight will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN and is seen by those within in the streaming platform as the ideal opportunity to give the WBO title holder the opportunity to build toward massive fights with Jared Hurd, Gennady Golovkin and even countryman and DAZN face Canelo Alvarez. 

It’s a lot for a 22-year-old to have on his shoulders and Team Hogan have previously asked how he will react when he fails to put a dent in the Brisbane-based Irish fighter in the early rounds.

Hogan remains keen to point out he doesn’t need Munguia [32(26)-0] to be weighed down by pressure to dethrone him in his homeland, but does stress the Mexican may feel it and it may have an effect.

“It’s correct to say there will be pressure on him. I will just get out there and be relaxed in that sense. But I will start hard and fast, also, but ultimately I will be relaxed,” explained the 33-year-old Kildare fighter

“I was first mentioning, I know what it’s like to have that pressure, and whether or not Munguia can deal with that is all good, but that’s not something that we’re relying on.”

“But you know, it’s a big stadium. There’s a lot of people there, and it will be interesting to see what way that makes Munguia fight or what way it goes, but again, we’ve got all the boxes ticked. So either way, it is what it is,” added Hogan.

There are those who will reason that the vocal Mexican support will only aid the custodian and have an adverse and intimidating effect on the challenger.

DDP Promotions fighter Hogan will certainly be going into the Lion’s Den, but seems to have Daniel-like faith.

The former Australian champ, whose sole defeat came at the gloves of Jack Culcay in Germany, is adamant he won’t be fazed and believes he will emerge unscathed and with the title.

Indeed, Hogan has noted that there will be some voices cheering for the ‘Hurricane’ on Saturday.

The Kilcullen man described how “as long as there’s one [Irish] flag that’s flying, I’ll be happy, and that’s all I need. We will have a few, and I believe we’ll have a very vocal crowd there between the Irish and Australians of support.”

“Even if there wasn’t, I’ll give them my laser focus. I’ll just be cool, calm, collected, eyes on the prize and all I need to do, and that’s all that matters. But there will be a few there anyway, so that’s going to be good either way. But again, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just stay focused.”

“For me, first and foremost, it’s about winning every exchange, winning every round, and then after that, whatever happens, happens. I don’t feel any pressure at all whatsoever.”

“As I said, I have a faith and belief that my hand will be raised. I will get in there and give it everything I have, as I have in camp, and whatever will be will be. I’ve come this far on this faith and belief and my hard work, and I believe it will deliver on April 13th,” he adds before stressing the passionate nature of both fighting countries lends itself to a special night.

“I think the Mexicans are very like the Irish in terms of getting in and giving it everything they’ve got. I believe it’s kind of the same mentality the Irish and the Mexicans have.”

“I know it’s a great passion in Ireland and in Mexico, and I believe an Irish versus a Mexican for the World Championship, I think it doesn’t get bigger than that in terms of heart and passion and the supporters getting behind it, and no doubt I’m very excited.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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