BREAKING: WBC Orders Mikaelian vs. Benavidez Mandatory Cruiserweight Clash

The World Boxing Council has officially ordered WBC Cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian to make a mandatory defence against reigning WBC Light Heavyweight titleholder David Benavidez. The ruling follows months of unsuccessful mediation aimed at resolving the champion’s stalled voluntary obligations. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the governing body had mediated “with as much interest and positive intentions” but could not broker a final amicable agreement between Mikaelian’s management and promoter. The cruiserweight division has been tangled since the last annual convention, where rulings granted the winner of the Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian rematch a voluntary defence, followed by two mandatories. Six months on, that voluntary contest never materialised. Sulaiman appointed Alberto Leon to work with both camps, yet the impasse remained. “As of last night, there has been no positive result and the management of Mikaelian continues to be at odds with their promoter,” Sulaiman wrote. Meanwhile, David Benavidez took decisive action. The WBC Light Heavyweight champion moved up, captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts, and made his intentions clear during a visit to Mexico. His promoter formally petitioned the WBC to mandate Mikaelian for Benavidez’s first shot at the green and gold cruiserweight strap. The WBC Board voted in favour. Sulaiman expressed pride in the ruling, stating it “will certainly bring the best benefits to both parties after witnessing the mediation process which was not successful.” A date and venue are yet to be announced, but the path to a three-belt cruiserweight unification has now been set. Photo credits: World Boxing Council

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