Bektemir Melikuziyev Challenged by an American Boxer: Will the Old Fight Be Revived?

American professional boxer Ian Green has publicly addressed Bektemir Melikuziyev, stating that he is ready to fight in the super-middleweight division. According to Green, a bout between them had previously been planned but ultimately never took place.

This challenge is not just another offer for the Uzbek boxer. Melikuziyev is ranked first by the WBA and is very close to a world-title opportunity. That is why a potential fight with Green would carry not only sporting significance but also considerable risk.

“Let’s sign the contract”

Ian Green openly said on Instagram that he was ready to organize the fight.

“Let’s make this fight happen. It fell through once before. Let’s finish the job and sign the contract,” the American boxer wrote.

The statement shows that Green was not merely mentioning a potential opponent. He was referring to a specific contract and an earlier plan that failed to materialize.

However, there has not yet been any official information about the bout from Melikuziyev, his team, Golden Boy Promotions or boxing organizations. The fight date, venue and number of rounds have also not been announced.

Why did the previous fight fall through?

Green’s statement suggests that a bout between the boxers had previously been discussed or had reached the organizational stage.

However, reliable public information could not be found about when the fight was supposed to take place, which event it was scheduled for or why it was canceled.

Therefore, these two pieces of information must currently be kept separate:

Thus, at present this is not an official fight announcement, but an open challenge from a boxer.

Who is Ian Green, and why did he issue the challenge now?

Thirty-two-year-old Ian Green has had 22 professional bouts, recording 20 wins and two losses. Thirteen of his victories have come by knockout or technical knockout. In March 2026, Green secured the 20th win of his career by forcing Cleotis Pendarvis to stop after the first round.

Green previously competed mainly at middleweight, but now aims to land major fights at super middleweight. He held his latest training camp under the guidance of legendary Roy Jones Jr. Jones said he considers his pupil one of the strongest boxers in the 168-pound division.

The American boxer’s main advantages:

• greater height and reach;

• the ability to work from range;

• a powerful right hand;

• a winning streak in recent fights;

• new tactical preparation from the Roy Jones school.

Green is 183 centimeters tall and has an approximately 191-centimeter reach. He is an orthodox boxer who leads with his right hand.

Melikuziyev, meanwhile, is very close to a world title

Bektemir Melikuziyev’s professional record stands at 17 wins and one loss. In February 2026, he continued his winning streak by defeating Ghana’s Sena Agbeko by technical knockout in the seventh round.

The Uzbek boxer has held the top spot in the WBA super-middleweight rankings since February 2026. In the organization’s July rankings, Melikuziyev was again listed as the No. 1 contender.

This status is highly significant. The top ranking usually means that a boxer is closest to a world-title fight or an official eliminator.

In May 2025, Melikuziyev defeated Darius Fulghum on points in a 12-round bout. The WBA recorded the contest as a title eliminator.

Does he need a fight with Green?

From a sporting perspective, Ian Green is a suitable and dangerous opponent for Melikuziyev. He is tall, experienced and has not lost in recent years.

However, given Melikuziyev’s current position, questions arise over whether this fight is necessary.

The Uzbek boxer is ranked first by the WBA, so his main objective should be a world-title belt rather than another ranking fight. Green, meanwhile, does not currently hold a status comparable to Melikuziyev’s in the WBA’s super-middleweight rankings.

Therefore, a potential fight has two sides.

Potential benefits for Melikuziyev:

• a major fight against a recognized opponent in the United States;

• strengthening his title claim with a victory;

• maintaining activity;

• increasing his exposure among American fans;

• the opportunity to defeat a stylistically difficult opponent.

Main risks:

• a loss could delay his title opportunity;

• there is a risk of injury;

• if the fight is not for a ranking position or a belt, the purse may not justify the risk;

• Green’s height and reach could create serious problems;

• it could be an unnecessarily risky fight while a title bout is expected.

This is a tactical assessment based on Melikuziyev’s position in the WBA rankings. The fighters’ official plans have not yet been announced.

What kind of fight could we see in the ring?

Melikuziyev and Green differ significantly in style.

Melikuziyev fights from a southpaw stance, applies pressure and is known for powerful body shots. Golden Boy Promotions describes his style as constant pressure, southpaw movement and heavy punches to the body.

Green, by contrast, is comfortable at long range. His reach is approximately 12 centimeters longer than Melikuziyev’s. This allows the American to control distance with his jab and prevent the Uzbek boxer from closing in.

Melikuziyev’s task will be to get through Green’s long arms and enter close and mid-range. There, Bektemir’s left-hand body shots could become a decisive weapon.

Green, meanwhile, may try to control the pace through:

• constant movement;

• using his lead hand to maintain distance;

• counterpunching;

• using the clinch when Melikuziyev closes in

to control the pace of the fight.

The Roy Jones factor adds intrigue

Ian Green’s work with Roy Jones Jr. adds further interest to the potential fight.

Jones is known for a style built on speed, unorthodox movement and counterpunching. He has said he is preparing Green for major fights at super middleweight. Their first full training camp ended with Green scoring a first-round technical knockout.

However, a famous trainer’s name does not guarantee victory in the ring. Melikuziyev has gone 12 rounds against much higher-level opponents and has won WBA eliminators at super middleweight.

Therefore, if this bout is made, it would become a clash not only between two boxers but also between two different schools and strategies.

What is needed to make the fight happen?

The Instagram challenge could be the first publicity step toward a major fight. But in professional boxing, one boxer’s desire is not enough.

For the bout to happen:

1. Melikuziyev and his team must accept the offer;

2. the promoters must agree on the financial terms;

3. the broadcast platform and fight night must be scheduled;

4. the weight limit and number of rounds must be confirmed;

5. the fight must not conflict with Melikuziyev’s WBA title plans;

6. the relevant commissions and organizations must approve the bout.

At present, there is no information that any of these stages has officially begun.

Green may need this fight more

The two boxers may not have the same interest in a potential bout.

For Green, defeating Melikuziyev, the WBA’s No. 1 contender, would be a major leap forward. Such a victory could immediately move him into the ranks of the leading contenders at super middleweight.

For Melikuziyev, a win over Green would be a prestigious result, but it might not open the way to a world-title belt. Bektemir has already advanced along that path by defeating Fulghum and rising to No. 1 in the WBA rankings.

That is why the fight’s financial and sporting value will be the key issue in negotiations. It would be logical for Melikuziyev’s team to demand a substantial purse, official eliminator status or a guarantee of a title opportunity. This is an analytical conclusion based on the boxers’ current ranking positions.

The open challenge now awaits a response

Ian Green has made his position clear: he wants to finish what previously fell through and sign a contract to fight Bektemir Melikuziyev.

Considering the opponents’ records and styles, this could become one of the most intriguing fights at super middleweight. Green’s reach and work at distance would collide with Melikuziyev’s pressure, southpaw stance and powerful body shots.

For now, however, the most important question is not who would win the fight. The key question is whether Melikuziyev will accept such a risk while standing so close to a world-title opportunity.

In your opinion, should Bektemir Melikuziyev accept Ian Green’s challenge, or would it be better to wait for a world-title fight? Leave your opinion in the comments and share the article with sports fans on Telegram or other social networks!