Super middleweight contender Bektemir Melikuziev was close to becoming another casualty to boxing politics.
But the WBA ensured that its mandatory challenger would at least inch closer to attaining an encounter against champion Jaime Munguia on Monday when it ordered a fight to take place. If negotiations prove to be unfruitful, a purse bid is planned for October.
Earlier this month, "Bek the Bully" blasted Munguia and the WBA for the evaded opportunity that was promised to him.
"Now it's simple for Munguia — fight me, or give up the title," Melikuziev told The Ring through a translator. "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."
Melikuziev (17-1, 11 KOs) solidified his standing as the WBA’s mandatory challenger with a hard-fought victory over Darius Fulghum in a title eliminator in May last year.
One night later, Armando Resendiz delivered one of the year’s biggest surprises by upsetting Caleb Plant to claim the WBA interim title. Resendiz was subsequently elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford, the undisputed titleholder, retired in December following his victory over Canelo Alvarez.
Munguia (46-2, 35 KOs) beat Resendiz four months ago by unanimous decision.
"The WBA is also in a difficult position when champions push back and don’t want to follow the rules," Melikuziev said. "They are caught in the middle. They have to respect and work with their champions, but at the same time, they have a responsibility to enforce their own rules and make sure everyone follows them.
"The WBA has shown that they are trying to do exactly that. By officially ordering this fight, they made their position clear and confirmed that the rules have to be respected.
"What is the difference between fighting your mandatory and fighting someone else? If you’re the champion, fight your mandatory. If you don’t want to follow the rules, give up the title. I’ll fight whoever is next for it. And when I’m champion, I’ll defend the title against every mandatory, just like a champion should."
Melikuziev, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist from Uzbekistan, last graced the ring in February and knocked out Sena Agbeko in seven rounds.
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan
