Jaime Munguia owes Bektemir Melikuziev his next title defense, and his narrow escape against Nikita Zon gives the mandatory challenger plenty of confidence. Munguia already received permission to delay that obligation once. Looking elsewhere simply because the required fight feels risky should not be on the table.
Munguia retained his WBA super middleweight belt by unanimous decision against Zon in Riyadh, but a routine showcase quickly turned into survival mode. An uppercut staggered him in the sixth round, leaving an unheralded opponent inches away from wrecking the champion’s plans on the Canelo Alvarez card.
The Ring reports that a deal is set for Munguia to face Melikuziev in early 2027. That ought to settle any debate over what comes next. The WBA granted Munguia an exemption to squeeze in Zon; the man waiting patiently in line deserves his shot.
Diego Pacheco and Jermall Charlo have surfaced as potential backup plans if that agreement hits a snag. Both carry name recognition, but floating them ignores the central issue: the champion already used his free pass.
If talks collapse, context is important. A legitimate injury or an insurmountable contract dispute would need a close look. Sidestepping Melikuziev because the stylistic matchup feels uncomfortable, on the other hand, would look terrible. Sanctioning another detour would demand some serious answers from the sanctioning body.
Zon revealed exactly why the champion’s team might hesitate. Munguia landed heavy blows throughout the night, yet he left wide defensive lanes that nearly cost him everything. His appetite for firefights always delivers excitement, but it invites danger that a veteran titlist should know how to avoid.
Melikuziev brings an even trickier puzzle as a southpaw with serious power in his left hand. Munguia cannot afford to linger in the pocket after unloading combinations, where incoming fire arrives from sharper, unfamiliar angles. Getting caught in the transitions could easily recreate the sixth-round crisis he just barely survived.
A dedicated body attack could prove decisive for the challenger. If Munguia relies on movement to limit the exchanges, steady work to the ribs can take the air out of his legs. If he sits down on his punches, he enters a shootout with a heavy hitter built to exploit porous defense.
Munguia earned respect for weathering that sixth round storm and pulling away once Zon ran out of steam. That resilience won the night, but surviving a scare does not guarantee another puncher will run dry before closing the show.
Melikuziev has every reason to believe he walks away with the title. Munguia brings volume and championship seasoning, but his latest outing makes backing the underdog a very reasonable call. The champion got his delay; the next ring walk must fulfill the order.
