David Benavidez in talks for cruiserweight unification with Noel Mikaelian

David Benavidez is closing in on a cruiserweight unification against Noel Mikaelian for his next outing, according to Bad Left Hook.

The report indicates that talks between Benavidez's team and Mikaelian's handlers are at an advanced stage, with promoter Don King representing the WBC champion. Sampson Lewkowicz, working on Benavidez's side, recently held extended discussions with King about the matchup, which materialized after the WBC formally ordered Mikaelian to defend his belt against the newly crowned three-division champion.

Benavidez's cruiserweight debut sets up rare sanctioning body unification order

Benavidez claimed the WBA and WBO cruiserweight straps in early May by stopping Gilberto Ramirez, establishing himself at 200 pounds after dominating the middleweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super middleweight division. Mikaelian, who recaptured the WBC title from Badou Jack in a December rematch, brings a 28-3 record with 12 knockouts into negotiations but is widely viewed as a significant underdog against the unbeaten Benavidez.

The WBC's willingness to mandate a unification fight breaks from the organization's typical practice, though the report suggests Benavidez's star power earned him what one observer called "Rolly privileges" in the sanctioning process. Still, King's involvement could complicate the final stages of dealmaking, as the veteran promoter has proven difficult to negotiate with in recent years.

No date or venue has been announced for the potential Benavidez-Mikaelian clash.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — David Benavidez likely to face Noel Mikaelian in next fight