David Benavidez vs. Noel Mikaelian targets November 21 as Cruiserweight title fight nears completion

Abraham Gonzalez reported that the fight is settled, noting that veteran boxing reporter Lance Pugmire was first to report the development. The location has not yet been announced.

The match would pit two title holders against each other at cruiserweight. Benavidez currently holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, while Mikaelian enters the bout as the WBC champion. Benavidez also remains the reigning WBC light heavyweight champion following his move up to cruiserweight.

The fight follows a WBC order requiring Mikaelian to make a mandatory defense against Benavidez. The sanctioning body said earlier that Mikaelian would be expected to face Benavidez next or relinquish the title.

Benavidez won the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts earlier this year with a victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, adding to a resume that already included multiple world titles in super middleweight. The undefeated 29-year-old will have the opportunity to add the WBC cruiserweight title to his collection if the fight goes through.

Mikaelian regained the WBC cruiserweight title on May 23 when he defeated Badou Jack at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The win improved his record to 28-2 with 19 shutouts and set up the mandatory defense now targeted for November 21st.