A high-caliber title fight is looming in the cruiserweight division. WBC world champion Noel Mikaelian wants to defend his belt against David Benavidez – and not face Jai Opetaia.
WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian apparently has a clear priority for his next fight. After it was initially reported at the end of May that the Armenian was in advanced negotiations for a duel with Zuffa champion Jai Opetaia, the situation changed fundamentally just a few hours later: the WBC officially ordered a title fight between Mikaelian and reigning WBA and WBO champion David Benavidez.
For Mikaelian’s advisor Anthony Girges, the course of action is clear. He told BoxingScene that his protégé has no intention of giving up the WBC belt without a fight. “Noel has no intention of giving up the belt. We are now waiting for the offers,” said Girges.
No contact with Benavidez camp
Despite the official order from the world governing body, there is still radio silence between the parties involved. Girges had expected to be contacted by Benavidez promoter Sampson Lewkowicz immediately after the WBC decision. So far, however, no such call has been made. “We haven’t heard from anyone,” explained Girges, referring to Benavidez’s team as well as WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and Mikaelian’s promoter Don King.
However, Lewkowicz confirmed to BoxingScene that negotiations will begin soon. “The fight will take place. It would not be correct to contact the manager first. I will make Don King an offer by tomorrow,” explained the experienced promoter.
Unification struggle with great significance
If the fight goes ahead, it would be one of the most important cruiserweight fights in recent years. Mikaelian regained the WBC title in December 2025 with a clear points victory in the rematch against Badou Jack. Benavidez, on the other hand, caused a stir at the beginning of May when he stopped Gilberto Ramirez early and secured the WBA and WBO belts.
A duel between the two champions would thus unify several world championships at once and mean another step towards a possible undisputed world cruiserweight championship. At the moment, everything seems to indicate that Mikaelian wants to go down this route – now the ball is in the promoters’ court.
Text by Robin Josten