David Benavidez is set for one more fight in 2026 before heading into a blockbuster clash in early 2027. However, while many fight fans are hoping to see Benavidez take on Jai Opetaia, one reigning cruiserweight world champion is hoping to disrupt the plans.
Benavidez is on a mission to claim the undisputed cruiserweight world title after halting and dethroning WBA and WBO Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBO on his debut in the division.
Meanwhile, Opetaia, who has long called for a fight with Benavidez, was stripped of his IBF world title after signing with Zuffa Boxing. Next weekend, the Aussie is set to collide with WBC cruiserweight titleholder, Noel Mikaelian.
With Mikaelian having been mandated to face Benavidez himself, it seems as though the WBC could soon strip the Armenian champion of his belt.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Mikaelian said that he doesn’t care if that happens.
“I asked them [the WBC] for my voluntary defence back, since I got it at the beginning of the year and then the contract was withheld from me from my promoter, for the Jai Opetaia fight since March.
“I haven’t heard from them, I always acted in good faith towards my promoter and towards the WBC. At this point, I have already been a two-time world champion, they took it away from me before, I don’t even care anymore.
“They got to do what they have got to do, everybody has to do their job. I don’t care if I defend my belt or not, I am just focussed on the fight and being victorious on September 12, to put on a great show and give my best performance so far.”
It is understood that Benavidez will face WBC Interim champion, Michal Cieslak in December – with Cieslak poised to be installed as the new full WBC world champion if Mikaelian is stripped – before an in-demand showdown against Opetaia in the first half of 2027.
However, Mikaelian went on to deny suggestions that Benavidez is the boogeyman of the division and vowed to take ‘The Mexican Monster’ on himself if he is able to overcome Opetaia.
“Why is he the boogeyman of the division? Why would somebody say that he is a boogeyman? He had one fight at cruiserweight, against Ramirez, who is also a former super-middleweight, he was also not a real cruiserweight.
“He is a great fighter, he is very entertaining, he throws a lot of combination punches and he is great. He is young, he is hungry, definitely a good fighter, but I wouldn’t see him as a boogeyman.
“The winner of this fight, me or Jai, will fight him next.”
Opetaia-Mikaelian is the co-main event of the Garcia-Benn card next Saturday, whilst Benavidez-Cieslak is being touted for Saturday, December 12.
As for the IBF world title, Opetaia has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to be reinstated as champion, but if he is not, London’s Viddal Riley is expected to take on New Zealand’s David Nyika in a vacant title bout.
