The Christian Mbilli vs Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez undercard may yet lose a world title fight, despite being confirmed this week by the promotion.
Canelo looks to bounce back from the third loss of his career when he faces new WBC super-middlweight world champion Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this month.
The card is billed ‘Mexico vs The World’ and, as per yesterday’s announcement, features some of the top talent from the fighting nation.
Rafael Espinoza puts his WBO featherweight title on the line against Lorenzo Parra, and a vacant IBF super-lightweight title bout sees Lindolfo Delgado face Artur Biyarslanov.
Canelo’s stablemate, Jaime Munguia, has also been listed as the co-main event, apparently defending his WBA super-middleweight belt against Nikita Zon. This is despite a mandatory order to face Bektemir Melikuziev.
Following the undercard announcement, the WBA released the following statement.
“The WBA has not approved the Jaime Munguia vs. Nikita Zon bout. Bektemir Melikuziev is the official contender in the super middleweight division. The WBA will review the situation.”
The sanctioning body’s intervention follow reports that Melikuziev has not accepted a stepaside deal from Team Munguia. The Uzbek fighter took to Instagram ealier this week to make his stance clear.
“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, respect the WBA, respect the fans, they want to see real fight with real competition, not just a fight where everybody knows the outcome before the fight happens!”
Should the WBA decide not to sanction the contest, Munguia will face either being removed for the card and honouring his mandatory, or vacating the belt just five months after winning it. If the WBA does allow it to go ahead, Melikuziev will be forced to wait for his shot.
This latest twist pales in comparison to concerns that the event may be moved entirely, given the escalating Houthi–Saudi conflict and its impact in Riyadh.
