Munguia Preps for Zon in Riyadh as Melikuziev Stays in Limbo

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Jaime Munguia is training in Mexico for an October 31 bout with Nikita Zon in Riyadh while his mandatory challenger, Bektemir Melikuziev, still has no sanctioned timeline for a title shot. Footage circulating this week shows Munguia wrapping his hands alongside trainer Eddy Reynoso at Box Azteca, grinding through the final stretch of camp as the WBA's handling of its own mandatory order remains unresolved.

The WBA ordered Munguia to defend against Melikuziev on September 21, setting an October 21 deadline for the two camps to make a deal. The sanctioning body itself noted that the mandatory defense window had already expired on August 30. When the Zon fight was announced instead, the WBA stated publicly that it had not approved the bout. It also confirmed Melikuziev as the number one contender and said a full review was coming.

What Happens Now That the WBA Deadline Has Passed

The October 21 negotiating deadline has come and gone with no public ruling from the WBA on the Zon fight, on Melikuziev's status, or on a purse bid. The original mandatory order spelled out a purse bid process if the sides couldn't reach terms, and that mechanism is reportedly still sitting unused. Melikuziev reportedly turned down step-aside money because he wanted the title opportunity itself, not a payoff, which makes the current silence sting more for his camp. Missing the deadline does not automatically strip Munguia of the belt, but it does put the WBA on the clock to either sanction the Riyadh fight, order the purse bid, or explain why neither has happened.

Betting Angle

Munguia heads into the Zon fight as the far more established name at 168 pounds, and expect sportsbooks to list him as a clear favorite given his volume and power advantages, though bettors should factor in that this is a voluntary-style defense with no title clarity attached. The more interesting market implication is downstream: if the WBA eventually forces a Munguia-Melikuziev fight or orders a purse bid won by another promoter, that bout likely opens closer to even money given Melikuziev's power and the step-up in opposition it would represent compared to Zon. Any added risk from the Riyadh fight, a cut, a decision that goes long, a bad weight cut, carries extra weight here precisely because it could be used to delay Melikuziev further rather than simply being bad injury luck.

Why Melikuziev's Camp Has a Legitimate Gripe

Turning down step-aside money is supposed to mean something, and Melikuziev's camp can reasonably argue the WBA's inaction rewards the champion for sidestepping its own order. The sanctioning body named Melikuziev the mandatory, confirmed it was reviewing the situation, and then let the deadline pass without a ruling while Munguia moved forward with an opponent the WBA says it never approved. For a hungry, undefeated contender who passed on a payday to chase a title shot, that is the exact outcome he tried to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jaime Munguia fighting next?

Jaime Munguia is scheduled to fight Nikita Zon in Riyadh on October 31.

Why hasn't Bektemir Melikuziev gotten his title shot?

The WBA ordered Jaime Munguia to face mandatory challenger Bektemir Melikuziev by September 21 with an October 21 negotiating deadline, but that deadline passed without the WBA approving the Zon fight, ruling on Melikuziev's status, or ordering a purse bid.