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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayDavid Benavidez could be headed into a cruiserweight unification bout for his next fight, with discussions reportedly advancing for a showdown against WBC champion Noel Mikaelian.
The matchup gained momentum after the WBC ordered Mikaelian to make a mandatory defense against Benavidez, who currently holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. A deal has not yet been finalized, but talks between the two sides are reportedly progressing.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) moved up to cruiserweight in May and captured the WBA and WBO belts with a dominant victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The win made the Phoenix native a three-division world champion and added two major titles to the WBC light heavyweight belt he already owns.
Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) reclaimed the WBC cruiserweight title in December when he defeated Badou Jack in their rematch. The Armenian-born fighter has won six straight bouts since suffering a loss to Mairis Briedis in 2018.
The fight would also represent the biggest opportunity of Mikaelian’s career, with a victory dramatically reshaping the cruiserweight division landscape going forward.
A unification between Benavidez and Mikaelian would crown an undisputed-style frontrunner in the division, with the winner holding three of the four major world titles.
The reported negotiations come after discussions between representatives of both fighters, including longtime promoter Don King, who promotes Mikaelian, and members of Benavidez’s team.
No date or venue has been announced. Benavidez last fought on May 2, while Mikaelian has not competed since defeating Jack on December 14, 2025.
Tim Compton is a boxing journalist and contributor to Boxing247.com who has covered the international fight landscape since 2019. He reports on major developments, champions, and rising prospects with a focus on accuracy, sourcing, and analytical clarity.
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Boxing • Boxing News • David Benavidez, Noel Mikaelian in advanced talks for cruiserweight unification fight
Last Updated on 2026/06/18 at 12:34 AM
















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