Anthony Girges, advisor for WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian, told BoxingScene Tuesday that Mikaelian prefers to face WBO cruiserweight champ David Benavidez and defend his title, rather than face Australia’s unbeaten Jai Opetaia.
On May 29, Mikaelian, 28-3 (12 KOs), was reported to be in advanced negotiations to meet Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion Opetaia, however, hours after it was reported by BoxingScene, the WBC ordered Mikaelian to meet Benavidez, 32-0 (26 KOs), instead.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Girges said, “Noel has no intention of walking away from the belt. We are waiting for our offers.”
Girges said he was under the assumption he would immediately hear from Benavidez’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz , however, since the order was made, he has yet to hear from any of Benavidez’s reps, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, or Mikaelian’s own promoter, Don King.
“We’ve heard from nobody,” Girges said.
When contacted by BoxingScene, Lewkowicz reaffirmed the fight will happen. “It’s not proper for me to contact the manager first,” he said. “I will be contacting Don King by tomorrow and presenting him an offer for the fight.”