November 03, (THEWILL) – Former WBC cruiserweight champion, Junior Ilunga Makabu of Congo, will face off against Germany’s Noel Gervor Mikaelyan on Saturday night at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Florida, USA for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title. The 35-year-old southpaw Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) is looking to regain the belt he previously held before losing it to Badou Jack in 2022.
Makabu first won the WBC cruiserweight title in 2016 by stopping Dmitry Kudryashov in the fifth round. He went on to make successful defences against Olanrewaju Durodola and Thabiso Mchunu before losing to Jack. Now he faces the WBC’s mandatory challenger Mikaelyan.
Mikaelyan (26-2, 11 KOs), originally from Armenia but now based in Florida, is hoping his height and reach advantages can see him prevail over 12 rounds. The 33-year-old has twice lost on points decisions, including to Mairis Briedis for the WBC Diamond belt.
In his last fight, Mikaelyan captured the WBC Silver cruiserweight title by unanimously outpointing Youri Kayembre Kalenga over 12 rounds. While not a big puncher, Mikaelyan is a competent boxer who gave Briedis problems despite losing on the cards.
Makabu will look to use his vaunted power to regain his old belt, but Mikaelyan has the skills to potentially frustrate him. It should make for an intriguing clash between the former champion and the hungry contender on Saturday night.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
