David Benavidez is reportedly being lined up to face interim WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak in November or December as the division’s title picture becomes increasingly complicated.
The development follows Zuffa Boxing’s announcement that WBC champion Noel Mikaelian will defend his belt against Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. That fight will serve as the co-main event to Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn.
Earlier this year, the WBC ordered Mikaelian to face Benavidez after approving the former light heavyweight champion’s request to challenge for a cruiserweight world title. Mikaelian’s decision to fight Opetaia instead could now force the sanctioning body to decide whether to enforce that order.
Should the WBC strip Mikaelian for bypassing Benavidez, the title would become vacant. Benavidez and Cieslak would then be the most likely pairing to determine the next full champion.
The situation became even more confusing after reports claimed Mikaelian already had a signed agreement to face Benavidez on December 12, while Benavidez was said to be preparing to complete his side of the deal. Shortly afterward, however, the Opetaia fight was officially announced.
Image Credit: PBC