Melikuziev Knocks Out Sharipov in Dubai
Uzbekistan's Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Tajikistan's Karomatullo Sharipov in the second round of their super middleweight bout.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Boxing
Bektemir Melikuziev knocked out Karomatullo Sharipov in the second round on Friday night at Nikki Beach Resort in Dubai. The bout was the main event of MUKA Boxing's Fury by the Sea card.
Why it matters
The win extended Melikuziev's winning streak to 11 consecutive fights and keeps him ranked No. 1 by the WBA at super middleweight. It also moves him closer to a potential bout with champion Jaime Munguia.
Melikuziev, now 18-1 with 12 knockouts, stopped Sharipov (4-4-1, 3 KOs) in a bout scheduled for four rounds, ending it in round two. The fight was his first since stopping Sena Agbeko in seven rounds in February, and no date has been set for a Munguia bout.
The players
Bektemir Melikuziev
Uzbek super middleweight boxer ranked No. 1 by the WBA in his division, now 18-1 with 12 knockouts.
Jaime Munguia
Mexican super middleweight champion who retained his belt by unanimous decision against Nikita Zon on October 31.
World Boxing Association
Sanctioning body that ranks Melikuziev No. 1 at super middleweight and ordered him to face Munguia next.
The details
Melikuziev landed a heavy shot that sent Sharipov flat onto his back late in the second round. Earlier, he pressed forward with clean power punches despite brief clinches and return fire from Sharipov.
Timeline
February: Melikuziev stopped Sena Agbeko in seven rounds.
October 31: Jaime Munguia retained his belt by unanimous decision against Nikita Zon, who had hurt him badly in the sixth round.
Friday night: Melikuziev knocked out Sharipov at Nikki Beach Resort in Dubai.
Season Trajectory
The win continues Melikuziev's build toward a title shot, following his February seven-round stoppage of Sena Agbeko and a run of 11 straight victories. Ranking as the WBA's top super middleweight positions him as the mandatory challenger to Munguia's belt.
The result sets up a possible title fight that would decide the super middleweight picture, since Melikuziev's WBA ranking makes him the mandatory challenger to Munguia. Fans following the division can watch for an official date and venue announcement.
The takeaway
Melikuziev's 11-fight win streak and top WBA ranking make him a serious contender for Munguia's belt. Watch for an official announcement on the date and venue of that bout.
What happens next
A Melikuziev-Munguia fight has been reportedly agreed upon, but a date and venue have yet to be determined.
Further reading
For more on the sport, see the Boxing section.
