Noel Mikaelian challenges David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia

WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian has expressed his intention to fight David Benavidez following his upcoming title defense against Jai Opetaia on September 12 in Las Vegas. Mikaelian’s stance complicates the cruiserweight division's landscape, as the WBC has previously mandated that he face Benavidez.

Mikaelian stated he is indifferent to the possibility of being stripped of his title by the WBC, noting that he has lost a title before. He attributed delays in his defense to contract issues involving his promoter and expressed a focus on defeating Opetaia first.

Currently, Benavidez is scheduled to face Michal Cieslak in December, with plans for a potential unification bout against Opetaia in early 2027. Mikaelian has challenged the perception of Benavidez as the division’s ‘boogeyman,’ citing Benavidez’s limited experience at the cruiserweight weight class.