Advisor says WBC cruiserweight champ Noel Mikaelian intends to face David Benavidez, not Jai Opetaia

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.