The sanctioning body has announced their new champion.
Jai Opetaia defeated reigning cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian this past weekend.
However, the WBC refused to sanction the contest after Mikaelian ignored a mandatory order.
Mikaelian had been instructed to face David Benavidez next.
In light of that, the sanctioning body has instead upgraded interim titleholder Michal Cieslak to full champion.
Cieslak will now go on to defend his new strap against Benavidez later this year.
The statement from the WBC said:
The WBC made numerous attempts and undertook countless efforts to bring all interested parties together toward reaching the necessary agreements to satisfy all requests proposed for sanctioning bouts compliant with the WBC Rules, orders, and rulings.
After communicating with all parties involved regarding the Noel Mikaelian v. Jai Opetaia bout, the WBC Board of Governors determined that among all available courses of action, the ones most compliant with the WBC’s prior orders are the following rulings and orders:
Declare vacant the WBC Cruiserweight World Title
Elevate WBC Interim Cruiserweight World Champion Michal Cieslak to WBC World Champion
Confirm the WBC’s sanctioning of the mandatory defense of Champion Cieslak’s title against David Benavidez.
Order that the winner of the Mikaelian v. Opetaia bout would become the Mandatory Contender of the division to fight next the winner of the upcoming bout between Cieslak and Benavidez.
Consistent with the WBC’s order set forth above, the winner of that bout must face next Jai Opetaia, who won his bout last Saturday, September 12, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
While Opetaia left Sin City without the green and gold belt, his next challenge is already taking shape.
He has been ordered to face the winner of Cieslak vs Benavidez.
That could set up a highly anticipated clash with Benavidez, with both men already agreeing to fight.
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
