D'Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0-1, 13 KOs) is the replacement opponent to face ex-junior middleweight titleholder Jaime Munguía (36-0, 29 KOs) on Friday, April 23rd at the Don Haskins Center of the University of Texas in El Paso. Ballard steps in after an injury forced Maciej Sulecki out of the fight. The duel will be broadcast live on DAZN (except in Mexico).

 

"D'Mitrius Ballard has deserved an opportunity like this for a long time," said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy. "This is the opportunity to finally show the world that he is ready for the best boxers in the world. this division. We wish Maciej Sulecki a speedy recovery, but we also want to emphasize that Ballard is not a mere replacement. He is a real threat," De La Hoya emphasized.

 

Ballard is a 28 year-old who had a tremendous amateur career, capturing several national championships. In 2013, the Temple Hills, Maryland native kicked off his professional career with a knockout win over Kelly Henderson. Ballard has since moved up the ranks, fighting tough opponents like Victor "Sina" Fonseca and Alan "Amenaza" Campa. Ballard, who is eager to make his mark in the middleweight division is coming off a majority draw against Olympic bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao.

 

"I feel very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to fight Jaime Munguía," said Ballard. "Extremely blessed, especially because of the condition the world is in due to COVID-19 and all the problems we are facing. This is the perfect opportunity to really show who D'Mitirus Ballard is and show my boxing skills. I am going to use this fight to introduce myself to the world again, "he concluded.

 

Munguia said of the switch in opponents, "These things happen in boxing and I have always had the mentality of being prepared for any opponent. I know that D’Mitrius Ballard is a great opponent with a lot of experience as an amateur and professional. So I hope to give everyone a great fight to get closer to a starting opportunity," he said.