The next big cruiserweight bout is taking shape: David Benavidez and Noel Mikaelian are set to face off in a unification bout in November.
The planned cruiserweight unification bout between David Benavidez and WBC world champion Noel Mikaelian appears to be nearing completion. As Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, explained, the contract has already been sent to Don King, Mikaelian’s promoter. The signature is expected later this week. According to Lewkowicz, both sides have already reached a verbal agreement on the terms. “As soon as Mikaelian signs, we’ll have the fight,” the promoter said. The fight is expected to take place in Las Vegas, though Phoenix or Los Angeles are also being considered as alternatives. The fight is scheduled for November and is set to be broadcast as a pay-per-view event on Prime Video and DAZN.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) already holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles after stopping former world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in the sixth round in early May. Prior to that, the American was already the WBC light heavyweight world champion. Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) secured the WBC title in December with a points victory over Badou Jack. Originally, a bout with former IBF champion Jai Opetaia seemed likely, but after the WBC approved Benavidez’s move up to cruiserweight for a world title fight, talks with Mikaelian gained momentum. If the contract is signed as expected, a high-profile unification bout between two cruiserweight world champions will take place in November.
Text by Robin Josten