Instead of a bout with Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelian is now set to face David Benavidez in a title fight. Negotiations are already in full swing.
David Benavidez could soon take the next big step toward becoming the undisputed cruiserweight world champion. According to BoxingScene, the teams of the WBA and WBO champions, as well as WBC titleholder Noel Mikaelian, are in advanced negotiations for a unification bout this fall. According to the report, promoters Sampson Lewkowicz and Don King have already held intensive talks to reach an agreement. Lewkowicz expressed optimism that the deal can be finalized soon. “We expect to reach an agreement very soon,” said the longtime Benavidez promoter.
For the undefeated American, there’s far more at stake than just another title. Since moving up to cruiserweight, Benavidez has been pursuing the goal of unifying all the major belts in the weight class. “We’re not fighting for trophies—we’re fighting for titles. We’re fighting for the legacy of David Benavidez,” said Lewkowicz. “Opetaia currently has nothing to offer but a good fight.” With this statement, the promoter alluded to the recently discussed possibility that Mikaelian could instead face Ring champion Jai Opetaia. However, the WBC had ruled in late May that Mikaelian must first negotiate a unification bout with Benavidez.
“Undisputed” Within Reach
Noel Mikaelian had just regained the WBC title last December with his rematch victory over Badou Jack. Now the Armenian could be facing the biggest challenge of his career. Benavidez enters potential negotiations with an unblemished record of 32 wins in 32 fights. The 29-year-old spectacularly stopped Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds in early May, thereby securing the WBA and WBO titles.
If the fight goes ahead and Benavidez wins, he would be just one title away from becoming the undisputed world champion. Chris Billam-Smith and Viddal Riley are set to face off for the vacant IBF belt. This could lead to an exciting scenario in the cruiserweight division. For now, however, the focus is on negotiations with Mikaelian. If an agreement is reached, one of the most significant unification bouts of the year awaits in the fall.
Text by Robin Josten