Benavidez close to securing unification fight.
In the world of boxing, David Benavidez is seen as one of the best currently doing it. A former two-time super-middleweight champion, he moved up to light-heavyweight after a long-anticipated fight against Canelo Álvarez slipped through everyone’s fingers.
While at the 175-pound class, Benavidez was upgraded to WBC champion after Dmitry Bivol turned down a mandatory defence against him.
The American made one dominant defence over Anthony Yarde, then moved up to face WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez.
In what is sure to be one of the standout performances of the year, Benavidez wrecked Ramirez in six frames to pick up the two belts. Consequently, he vaulted himself up the pound-for-pound list.
Benavidez’s next move will be taking place at cruiserweight, and it appears he is close to securing a fight with the only other reigning world champion at his current division.
Noel Mikaelian is the owner of the WBC belt, having attained that status once before. Following a rematch victory over Badou Jack last year, the Armenian became a two-time world champion.
According to BoxingScene, Benavidez and Mikaelian are close to finalising a deal to face each other in a three-belt unification clash.
Mikaelian was recently in talks to face former two-time IBF champion Jai Opetaia, who now holds the Zuffa Boxing title. However, that fell through when Mikaelian was ordered by the WBC to begin negotiations with Benavidez instead.
Sampson Lewkowicz–who entered into conversations with Don King earlier today to get Benavidez-Mikaelian over the line–told BoxingScene that he expects “to make a deal shortly”, also stating, “We’re not fighting for trophies. We want titles. We want the legacy for Benavidez. Opetaia has nothing besides making a good fight.”
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