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Canelo vs Mbilli undercard world title fight thrown into doubt as WBA ‘has not approved’

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…

By Kerr Ferguson · Boxing News Online

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 8:32 AM

Key Things to Know

The WBA has refused to approve Jaime Munguia defending his title against Nikita Zon in Riyadh.
Bektemir Melikuziev remains the official mandatory contender and reportedly rejected a step-aside offer.
Munguia could be forced to vacate his belt or face Melikuziev if sanctioning is denied.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The WBA announced it has not approved Jaime Munguia's planned title defense against Nikita Zon on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli undercard. Munguia was scheduled for the co-main event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but the sanctioning body stated that official mandatory contender Bektemir Melikuziev must be honored, leaving the bout in serious doubt pending a formal review.

Reports indicate that Melikuziev rejected a step-aside agreement from Team Munguia, publicly demanding his mandatory title shot. If the WBA refuses to sanction the fight against Zon, Munguia faces the choice of honoring the mandatory challenger, being removed from the card, or vacating his super-middleweight belt.

Read the full article on Boxing News Online

Canelo vs Mbilli undercard world title fight thrown into doubt as WBA ‘has not approved’

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