WBC Gives Mikaelian An Ultimatum

The WBC has issued an ultimatum to cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian — face David Benavidez as ordered, or fight Jai Opetaia on September 12th and risk being stripped of the belt before he even steps into the ring.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán confirmed a letter has been sent to Mikaelian's team demanding a decision between the two matchups. If Mikaelian proceeds with the Opetaia fight — scheduled as the co-main event of Garcia-Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas — the WBC has made clear the title could be vacated ahead of the bout.

Mikaelian won the WBC cruiserweight title in December 2025, stopping Badou Jack to avenge an earlier defeat. He had been linked to a mandatory defence against Benavidez before the Opetaia fight emerged as an alternative.

Should the belt be stripped, Benavidez and Michal Cieslak are expected to meet later this year to determine a new full champion.