Norair Mikaeljan

Professional Career

Making his debut on May 27, 2011, with a points victory over Adam Gadajew in Stralsund, Germany, Mikaeljan quickly established himself as a promising cruiserweight contender. His early career was marked by a series of decisive wins, including several knockouts that showcased his power and precision. By the time he fought Rushid Sevim in 2011, Mikaeljan was already demonstrating the kind of dominance that would define his career, winning by a second-round TKO.

In the following years, Mikaeljan’s career continued to ascend. He captured the WBO Youth cruiserweight title in May 2014 with a unanimous decision over Gogita Gorgiladze. This victory was part of an impressive winning streak, which saw him secure the WBO International cruiserweight title in 2015 with a unanimous decision against Daniel Alejandro Sanabria in Dresden, Germany. He successfully defended this title multiple times, showcasing his ability to maintain peak performance under pressure.

Mikaeljan’s career faced significant tests as he entered the higher echelons of the cruiserweight division. In May 2017, he suffered a split decision loss to Krzysztof Włodarczyk in Poznań, Poland. Despite this setback, Mikaeljan rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Isiah Thomas in September 2017. However, another challenge awaited him in the World Boxing Super Series, where he lost to Mairis Briedis in November 2018. Undeterred, Mikaeljan continued to push forward, capturing the vacant WBC International cruiserweight title with a fourth-round TKO against Jesse Bryan in December 2020. His perseverance paid off further when he won the vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision over Youri Kalenga in February 2022 in Riga, Latvia. These victories paved the way for his most significant achievement to date.

On November 4, 2023, Mikaeljan faced Ilunga Makabu for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title at Casino Miami in Florida. In a stunning display of skill and power, Mikaeljan won by TKO in the third round, securing his place among the elite in the cruiserweight division.