Bektemir Melikuziev wants Jaime Munguia to defend his WBA super middleweight title against him, while the champion’s team reportedly negotiates a step-aside to squeeze in a fight with Keiber Gonzalez first.
That proposed opponent makes Bektemir’s frustration understandable. Gonzalez isn’t in the WBA’s published September top 15 at 168 pounds. Melikuziev is No. 1, yet he’s the fighter being asked to wait.
“The purse is not important, I am ready to fight for free. But please stop disrespecting me and the rules of the game!” Melikuziev wrote on Instagram.
“Jaime Munguia, I was the mandatory for the title before you fought for it. You became the champion, respect me just like I would respect you or any other boxer if I was the champion.”
ESPN boxing reporter Salvador “Chava” Rodríguez reported on Instagram that Munguia’s team continues negotiating a step-aside with Melikuziev. According to Rodríguez, the negotiation window runs until October 21, with the aim of allowing Munguia to face Gonzalez before fulfilling his mandatory obligation.
Bektemir’s willingness to fight for free is an expression of how badly he wants the opportunity. It doesn’t establish that he has rejected every possible offer, but his message gives Munguia’s team little reason to assume money will settle this.
From Munguia’s side, Gonzalez looks like an easier defense before a more demanding fight. That may suit the champion, but it leaves Melikuziev waiting for a shot he had already earned before Munguia won the belt.
Even if Bektemir accepts payment to wait, that wouldn’t explain what Gonzalez has done to deserve the opportunity. The WBA would still have to justify approving an opponent outside its published top 15 while its leading challenger sits out.
Munguia has the title now. The responsibility that comes with it is facing the challenger who earned his turn. Asking Bektemir to watch Gonzalez get the next opportunity is a difficult sell, especially when Bektemir is publicly demanding the fight.