WBC Issues Rules Clarification for Designating David Benavidez Mandatory Challenger to Noel Mikaelian External Inbox Andre Courtemanche -- Big Media Buzz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 30 May 2026
(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
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
O’Shaquie Foster vs Raymond Ford: Bad Blood Equals Good Fight
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 30 May 2026WBC Issues Rules Clarification for Designating David Benavidez Mandatory Challenger to Noel Mikaelian External Inbox Andre Courtemanche -- Big Media Buzz
Sat, 30 May 2026FOSTER VS. FORD – WEIGHTS AND THE FINAL WORD AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
Sat, 30 May 2026AWE to Air Live the WBC World Title Rematch of Kevin Lerena v. Ryad Merhy this Saturday
Sat, 30 May 2026Juego Todo exists in two powerful dimensions
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 30 May 2026‘The Homecoming’ Postponed in Vancouver
Sat, 30 May 2026Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo to Defend Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles Against the Philippines’ Joey Canoy
Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy now trains at MP Davao for Collazo's fight
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 30 May 2026Johann Chua claims Duya Airplay Sport 5800 Charity Cup Crown, pockets US$50,000 tops prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 30 May 2026“While others debate governance, the IBA continues to deliver.” IBA CEO & Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE on the organisation’s resilience and global ambition
Sat, 30 May 2026MP Pro Announces Signed Undefeated Prospects J'Hon Ingram, Amir Anderson, David Lopez, and Kayla Gomez to Compete on "Pugilist Revolution" June 19 in Long Beach, California
Sat, 30 May 2026Canoy to challenge Collazo on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 29 May 2026UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNIE ALVAREZ RETURNS TO THE RING ON JUNE 13 IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 29 May 202620 Matchups Set for 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, To Determine 2026 USA Wrestling World Championship Teams
Fri, 29 May 2026RJJ Boxing & “RJJ Saving the Kids” Presents World Boxing Association International Middleweight Championship! Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence and Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo
Fri, 29 May 2026