As first reported by The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, Munguia has a deal in place to face Bektemir Melikuziev, his mandatory challenger, next. The WBA’s No. 1 contender also accepted step-aside money. An exact date and location have not been determined just yet.

The Ring’s No. 5 super middleweight and WBA champion was initially ordered to face Melikuziev in late September.

However, the two-division world champion petitioned the WBA to allow him to fight Nikita Zon. It granted the request, but also insisted the winner face Melikuziev next.   

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old from Tijuana was nearly dethroned Saturday night by Zon.

In the sixth, Munguia appeared to be out on his feet as Zon poured on the pressure with a barrage of punches at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Despite being on shaky legs, Munguia (47-2, 35 KOs) took control in the second half en route to a unanimous decision.

Now, he’ll look to heal before taking on the 2016 Olympic silver medalist.

Melikuziev (17-1, 11 KOs) has been on a roll, winning 10 straight since his lone career defeat to Gabe Rosado in 2021. When last seen, the 30-year-old scored a dominant seventh-round stoppage win over Sena Agbeko on February 21.

Before striking a deal, Munguia was eyeing lucrative matchups against some of the more well-known names at 168 pounds, including former WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz.