Jeff Horn tells Dennis Hogan to get moving against Jaime Munguia

Brisbane’s Fighting Irishman Dennis Hogan is preparing to march into the toughest battle of his life in Mexico next month and his mate Jeff Horn says those strong fighter’s legs will be the key to victory.

Dennis Hogan after a training session at Lang Park PCYC ahead of his bout with Mexico’s Jaime Munguia. Picture: AAP

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Brisbane’s Fighting Irishman Dennis Hogan is preparing to march into the toughest battle of his life in Mexico next month and his mate Jeff Horn says those strong fighter’s legs will be the key to victory.

Hogan, the No.1 contender for the WBO junior-middleweight title, faces lanky Mexican world champ Jaime Munguia on his home turf in Monterey on April 14 and Horn says movement will be the key to an upset victory.

Munguia, 22, has a formidable reputation as one of the heaviest punchers in boxing but Horn says 34-year-old Hogan has the ability to frustrate the powerful Mexican and leave him hitting air.

“I’ve sparred dozens of rounds with Dennis and I know how awkward he can be,’’ said Horn, the former world welterweight champ, who is hoping to fight again in early June.

Dennis Hogan after a training session at Lang Park PCYC ahead of his bout with Mexico’s Jaime Munguia. Picture: AAP

“Dennis needs to use his angles and movement to upset Munguia’s rhythm and keep him off balance.

“Munguia is big and strong, a tough Mexican with a big punch and a great chin. But he can’t use that size and strength 100 per cent if his opponent isn’t right in front of him. Dennis fights very well against taller opponents because he has a great in-and-out style.’’

Hogan is training for the fight in Los Angeles and will hit Monterey five days before the big bout that could see him crowned as the first Queenslander to win a major world title overseas.

”I’ve visualised myself winning the title and wearing the belt,’’ Hogan said.

Jaime Munguia (left) lands a shot on Takeshi Inoue during their WBO Junior Middleweight championship fight in Houston, Texas in January. Picture: AFP

“I’ve dreamt of this moment all my life. Munguia has a big reputation but that will only make victory all that sweeter.

“I know that I can counter Munguia’s style and even though he will have huge support in Mexico I know that I have the experience and the ability to leave all the Mexicans disappointed.’’

Munguia is unbeaten in 32 fights while Hogan has one loss in 30 starts – that defeat coming four years ago on points in a world title bout in Germany.

The Munguia fight takes place in the 17,000 seat Arena Monterey.