(May 29, 2026) In a letter to David Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has clarified the justification for designating Benavidez the next mandatory challenger to WBC Cruiserweight Champion Noel Mikaelian.
Rumors spread quickly today that Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) was finalizing a deal to face Zuffa Boxing champion Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs), however, Sulaiman states that if Mikaelian does choose to face the Australian, or anyone other than Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs), he will do so as a former WBC champ.
The core point of Sulaiman’s ruling has to do with Mikaelian’s failure to make a voluntary defense within six months of winning his title and the WBC’s bylaw that a WBC Champion one weight class above or below can request to face their champion and automatically become the mandatory challenger.
In his letter, Sulaiman wrote:
The WBC mediated with as much interest and positive intentions without being able to find a final amicable agreement between the parties representing WBC Cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian.
The Cruiserweight division has been extremely complicated for some time and during the last annual convention seemed things would have been resolved and a positive path (sic) with the proper rulings which were:
- WBC granted a voluntary defense to champion who resulted from the Badou Jack vs Noel Mikaelian rematch.
- The winner to face 2 mandatories.
After 6 months: still no voluntary.
Alberto Leon was appointed by me to deal with both camps to try to resolve all their problems but as of last night there has been no positive result and the management of Mikaelian continue to be at odds with their promoter.
At the same time a great positive story has developed, our light heavyweight champion fought a cruiserweight bout and conquered WBA and WBO belts. Benavidez visited Mexico and has his mind only in winning the WBC Cruiserweight championship.
The WBC has received a letter from his promoter with the petition to mandate WBC Cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian to make his first mandatory defense against WBC Light Heavyweight champion David Benavidez.
The WBC Board has voted in favor to order Cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian to fight mandatorily David Benavidez.
The WBC is extremely proud of this ruling as it will certainly bring the best benefits to both parties after witnessing the mediation process which was not successful.
Sincere regards,
Mauricio Sulaiman
WBC President
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