Jaime Munguia intends to put his ordered title defense against Bektemir Melikuziev on hold until next year, insisting he requires a dedicated training camp while gearing up to face Nikita Zon on October 31.

The WBA super middleweight champion remains focused on competing on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli undercard in Riyadh. Still, wanting to delay Melikuziev until 2027 raises major concerns regarding whether sanctioning officials will let him keep the belt while taking an unapproved interim contest.

The WBA previously noted that the Munguia vs. Zon matchup had not received sanctioning approval, adding that officials would review the matter while keeping Melikuziev in position as the mandatory challenger. Munguia gave no indication during the interview that he secured an exemption or official sign-off to delay the mandatory.

Instead, the titlist pointed to the compressed schedule as the reason he cannot face Melikuziev right away.

“Proper training camp and other things. But we have a short time for that fight,” Munguia told The Ring. “I think next year it’s going to be a good fight.”

Wanting a complete camp for an opponent like Melikuziev makes sense on paper. Shifting focus from one challenger to a heavy-handed mandatory creates complications, especially on shortened notice.

Still, personal preference does not erase championship duties. Melikuziev locked in his mandatory status through official channels. Forcing him to sit on the sidelines while Munguia takes another bout requires formal sanctioning body consent, not just the champion deciding a later date suits him better.

When the interviewer floated a schedule featuring Melikuziev in May and Hamzah Sheeraz in September, Munguia welcomed the Sheeraz option. Neither date, however, represents a signed agreement.

For now, Munguia is guaranteeing an explosive finish against Zon.

“It’s going to be a good fight, and it’s going to be a knockout,” Munguia said.

A stoppage win in Riyadh could generate a highlight reel moment on a major international stage. It will not resolve the uncertainty surrounding his strap. Until the WBA formally rules on the matter, Munguia is laying out a calendar he desires rather than one he is authorized to carry out.

Jaime Munguia intends to put his ordered title defense against Bektemir Melikuziev on hold until next year, insisting he requires a dedicated training camp while gearing up to face Nikita Zon on October 31.

The WBA super middleweight champion remains focused on competing on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli undercard in Riyadh. Still, wanting to delay Melikuziev until 2027 raises major concerns regarding whether sanctioning officials will let him keep the belt while taking an unapproved interim contest.

The WBA previously noted that the Munguia vs. Zon matchup had not received sanctioning approval, adding that officials would review the matter while keeping Melikuziev in position as the mandatory challenger. Munguia gave no indication during the interview that he secured an exemption or official sign-off to delay the mandatory.

Instead, the titlist pointed to the compressed schedule as the reason he cannot face Melikuziev right away.

“Proper training camp and other things. But we have a short time for that fight,” Munguia told The Ring. “I think next year it’s going to be a good fight.”

Wanting a complete camp for an opponent like Melikuziev makes sense on paper. Shifting focus from one challenger to a heavy-handed mandatory creates complications, especially on shortened notice.

Still, personal preference does not erase championship duties. Melikuziev locked in his mandatory status through official channels. Forcing him to sit on the sidelines while Munguia takes another bout requires formal sanctioning body consent, not just the champion deciding a later date suits him better.

When the interviewer floated a schedule featuring Melikuziev in May and Hamzah Sheeraz in September, Munguia welcomed the Sheeraz option. Neither date, however, represents a signed agreement.

For now, Munguia is guaranteeing an explosive finish against Zon.

“It’s going to be a good fight, and it’s going to be a knockout,” Munguia said.

A stoppage win in Riyadh could generate a highlight reel moment on a major international stage. It will not resolve the uncertainty surrounding his strap. Until the WBA formally rules on the matter, Munguia is laying out a calendar he desires rather than one he is authorized to carry out.

Alberto Puello plans to test Dalton Smith’s accuracy and cut-prone skin on Saturday, when the WBC light welterweight champion makes his first defense at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Smith could have a difficult night if he cannot consistently find the skilled southpaw.

Puello (25-1, 11 KOs) brings a different style than Subriel Matias, whom Smith stopped in five rounds in January. Matias gave Smith opportunities to plant his feet and fire during their shootout. Puello is unlikely to offer the same opportunities.

“With the big head he has, I’m not going to miss a blow. It’s going to be very easy to mark him up,” Puello told The Ring.

That threat has some substance behind it. Smith has suffered cuts around his eyes during his career, including against Matias. Puello’s ability to land accurately could become an issue even without the punching power normally associated with a knockout threat.

The Eddie Hearn-promoted Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) needs to avoid spending rounds following Puello without getting his punches off. Coming through boxing in the Dominican Republic, Puello has been exposed to different styles, and he has the professional experience to change his approach when something stops working.

Against Matias, Smith was dealing with a one-track pressure fighter whose instinct is to walk in behind high earmuff defense and trade at point-blank range. That allowed Smith to tie him up on the inside, rough him up, lean on him, and time his short hooks in the clinch. Matias basically walked straight into Smith’s traps because he has zero interest in back-foot boxing.

Puello is the polar opposite. He is not going to march into Smith’s chest to give him free clinches or let Smith wrap him up. He fights behind a long, tricky southpaw jab, controls distance, and steps off to the sides the second an opponent tries to close the gap.

Hearn has matched Smith against guys who come forward, allowing him to use his heavy-handed throwback fighting style to bludgeon them. Against a pure mover with an awkward southpaw stance like Puello, that exact style can make a fighter look flat-footed, crude, and completely out of ideas over twelve rounds. Style-wise, Puello is a nightmare for him.

Puello lost his WBC 140-lb title to Matias by a controversial 12-round majority decision in July 2025. He now travels to the champion’s hometown intending to leave less room for debate.

“The way I do it is to win clearly and never deviate from that plan that I have,” Puello said.