Could we be on the brink of an electrifying showdown in the cruiserweight division? Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian are poised for a potential world title unification bout, a move that has gained the endorsement of the WBC.
Jai Opetaia, who remains unbeaten as the IBF world champion, has been making waves in the boxing world with impressive performances, including two victories over the formidable Mairis Briedis, alongside a series of spectacular knockout wins that have caught the attention of fans and critics alike. On the other side, Noel Mikaelian, the current holder of the WBC belt, has had a chance to square off against Opetaia previously at the inaugural Zuffa Boxing event, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
Speaking of Zuffa, this new boxing promotion has recently signed Opetaia, and he is set to make his debut under their banner on March 8. The company is making strides towards establishing itself as a legitimate entity in the boxing landscape, particularly after recent changes in American legislation that could allow Zuffa to create an alternative to the traditional world-title sanctioning bodies. This could pave the way for a unified organization that manages its own championship belts and rankings, which adds an intriguing layer to the sport.
However, the WBC has expressed its willingness to support a potential unification match between Opetaia and Mikaelian. Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the WBC, confirmed this during an interview with Sky Sports, stating, "Yes absolutely. [Opetaia is] a good fighter, a good champion, and Noel Mikaelian is a very dear friend and our champion. If they plan on doing that unification, we're supportive. If they want to promote a WBC championship, of course, we welcome it as long as it's done within the established rules and framework."
Sulaiman also remarked on Zuffa's position within the boxing community, adding, "If they choose to participate in the traditional landscape, they are more than welcome. If they decide to pursue their own league with their own belts, I wish them luck, but boxing will continue to thrive." His comments reflect the WBC's ongoing commitment to facilitating the best possible matchups for fighters, promoters, and fans alike.
In another aspect of the boxing scene, when discussing heavyweight mandates, Sulaiman highlighted that the WBC's policy has guided their decisions within this division. Agit Kabayel, who currently holds the WBC interim title, is set to become the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning full world champion. However, Usyk will first have the opportunity to defend his WBC title voluntarily before any mandated bouts take place.
"What we did in the heavyweight division was approve a long process to reach the undisputed champion," Sulaiman explained. "At present, we are advocating for our champion Tyson Fury to face Usyk. We have also endorsed a rematch, which is why we approved an interim championship for Kabayel, ensuring that Usyk has the opportunity to defend his title. Kabayel's recent defense in Germany has made him a local hero, presenting a significant opportunity for a future showdown between him and Usyk. A Kabayel-Usyk match is now highly anticipated."
Fans can catch the much-anticipated fight between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on April 5.
