Bektemir Melikuziev wants Jaime Munguia to defend his WBA super middleweight title or give it up. Reports that Munguia’s camp is considering vacating have given that demand an edge: if the champion leaves without a major fight lined up, fans will have reason to ask why he would not face the challenger he was ordered to fight.
“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. I earned this position in the ring. 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,” said Melikuziev to The Ring.
Melikuziev earned his mandatory position by beating Darius Fulghum last year. The WBA has now given both camps until October 21 to reach a deal and may call a purse bid if they cannot.
The promotional connection makes the choice more striking. Golden Boy has worked with both fighters and knows Melikuziev’s southpaw stance, pressure, and body attack. Those are genuine risks for Munguia, who can leave openings while pressing forward. None of that proves his team fears the matchup. It does make a decision to surrender the belt harder to explain as an inability to assess the challenger.
Rick Glaser has reported that Munguia’s camp is examining whether to vacate. Munguia has announced no such decision. A purse bid, if one is called, would add uncertainty over who stages the fight, though its outcome cannot be assumed.
Munguia won the belt from Armando Resendiz in May. Since losing to Canelo Alvarez, his run has included a win over Erik Bazinyan, a knockout loss to Bruno Surace, victory in their rematch, and the Resendiz title win.
If he gives up the belt now, a substantial next fight would at least explain the trade. Without one, vacating would look like he wanted the standing of a champion but balked when Bek’s promised opportunity came due. Melikuziev could still pursue a vacant title, but he would lose the chance to take it directly from Munguia.
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