Bektemir Melikuziev (17-1, 11 KOs) is demanding that WBA super middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (46-2, 35 KOs) either face him next or give up the belt.
The WBA has officially ordered Munguia to make his mandatory defense against Melikuziev and given both camps until October 21 to reach an agreement before a purse bid may be ordered.
“Now it’s simple for Munguia. Fight me, or give up the title. I earned my opportunity. I waited long enough. Now it’s time to fight. There are no more excuses, and no other opponents. I am his mandatory challenger. When I was already the mandatory, I was asked to step aside, and I agreed to work with the promoters because I was promised that I would be next,” Melikuziev said.
Melikuziev earned his position by defeating Darius Fulghum by unanimous decision in a WBA eliminator in May 2025. He is currently ranked No. 1 by the sanctioning body and is recognized as Munguia’s official mandatory challenger.
Munguia won the WBA super middleweight title from José Armando Reséndiz by unanimous decision on May 2. His mandatory defense period expired on August 30, prompting the WBA to formally order the Melikuziev fight.
Promoter Rick Glaser has reported that Munguia’s team is considering whether to vacate the title rather than face Melikuziev, although Munguia has not announced any decision to give up the belt.
Golden Boy has worked with both fighters, and negotiations remain ongoing ahead of the October 21 deadline.