The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship Committee has ordered the mandatory title defense between WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguía of Mexico and mandatory challenger Bektemir Melikuziev.

The official resolution was issued and sent to both fighters’ teams, who will enter a 30-day negotiation period to reach an agreement for the bout. The negotiation period will run through October 21. Munguía must make his mandatory title defense against the division’s official mandatory challenger, Bektemir Melikuziev, in accordance with Rule C.10 of the WBA Championship Rules.

Munguía captured the WBA Super Middleweight World Championship on May 2, 2026, when he defeated José Armando Reséndiz by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. His 120-day mandatory defense period expired on August 30, and he is therefore required to face the division’s leading mandatory challenger.

Melikuziev is ranked No. 1 in the division and holds the status of official mandatory challenger for the championship.

Under Rule C.12, regarding limitations on bouts, the champion may not face a boxer other than the official mandatory challenger within the 60 days prior to the expiration of the mandatory defense period.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement during the stipulated negotiation period, or if either party refuses to negotiate, the Championship Committee may call for a purse bid in accordance with the WBA rules.