Former junior middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia is ready for the next step in his middleweight journey, when he faces undefeated D'Mitrius Ballard.

The contest takes place this coming Saturday night in Mexico, with Munguia fighting on home soil for the first time since 2019.

Munguia, who is trained by former world champion Erik Morales, has picked up four wins at 160-pounds - with big victories in 2021 over Gabe Rosado and Kamil Szeremeta.

"The preparation went very well, as we have had plenty of time to work. I feel better than ever, as I'm learning more and more things, learning fight after fight," Munguia said to reporter Erika Montoya.

"Thanks to Erik and all the people who help me to progress and keep moving forward, we have achieved what we have now. But I think we still have a long way to go, learning a lot and working even harder. I have the hunger and the desire to continue."

Ballard, a talented boxer, presents a tough test in the ring. 

On the other hand, Ballard is not a big puncher and two fights ago he went to a ten round draw with Yamaguchi Falcao.

Munguia, with 30 knockouts in 38 fights, will be looking to close the show inside the distance - to make a statement towards his goal of landing IBF world champion Gennadiy Golovkin.

"I feel Ballard is going to come in his best shape, he's a good fighter, a great fighter and maybe a lot of people don't know him, but he's an undefeated fighter and that's for a reason. We'll have to be very careful," Munguia said.