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WBC Issues Rules Clarification For Designating David
Benavidez Mandatory Challenger To Noel Mikaelian
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
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