David Benavidez vs. Noel Mikaelian targeted for Nov. 21 as cruiserweight title fight nears completion

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

The matchup would pit two titleholders 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 previously stated that Mikaelian would be expected to face Benavidez next or relinquish the title.

Benavidez won the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts with a victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez earlier this year, adding to a résumé that already included multiple world title reigns at super middleweight. The unbeaten 29-year-old would have the opportunity to add the WBC cruiserweight title to his collection if the fight is finalized.

Mikaelian reclaimed the WBC cruiserweight title on May 23 when he defeated Badou Jack at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The victory improved his record to 28-2 with 19 knockouts and set up the mandatory defense now being targeted for Nov. 21.