WBC elevates Michal Cieslak to cruiserweight champion

The WBC has declared its cruiserweight world title vacant and elevated interim champion Michal Cieslak to full champion. This decision follows a non-sanctioned bout in Las Vegas where Jai Opetaia defeated Noel Mikaelian. Because the WBC did not sanction the Mikaelian-Opetaia fight, the title was not on the line, and Mikaelian has been stripped of the belt.

As part of the new divisional structure, Cieslak has been ordered to defend his title in a mandatory bout against David Benavidez. Reports indicate this fight is scheduled for December 12 in Phoenix, Arizona. Benavidez, who already holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, seeks to unify the belts.

The WBC has further ordered that the winner of the Cieslak-Benavidez matchup must face Jai Opetaia. This creates a clear pathway toward a major unification in the cruiserweight division, with Opetaia currently holding the mandatory contender position.