David Benavidez is expected to face Michal Cieslak next in the cruiserweight division after failing to arrange a fight with Jai Opetaia. WBC champion Noel Mikaelian instead secured a September fight against Opetaia in Las Vegas.
Former world champion Sergio Mora criticized Benavidez for missing out on the high-profile matchup. Mikaelian secured a place on the 12 September card in Las Vegas, which features Ryan Garcia against Conor Benn. Mora argued that Benavidez had established enough status in previous Las Vegas events to secure the primary slot against Opetaia.
Mora told DAZN Boxing: “I would think if you’re David Benavidez, you’re supposed to carry yourself as the A-side. You think you’re the man. You’ve already headlined in Vegas, and that’s going to be your next date,”
Mora added: “I’m thinking I’m the man, and then I get pushed aside by a Noel Mikaelian? Really? That’s what I would be upset at if I was David Benavidez. And then Jai Opetaia is the fight that we all want to see. Instead, you’re going to be hopefully turning to a Cieslak, a Polish fighter I’ve never heard of or seen fight before?”
Yet the narrative that Mikaelian forced Benavidez out of the contest does not match recent developments.
Benavidez had clear opportunities to pursue Opetaia upon entering the cruiserweight division. Instead, he prioritized other options, leaving Opetaia to search elsewhere for an opponent. Following the confirmation of his defense against Mikaelian, Opetaia directed criticism toward Benavidez for avoiding the fight.
The Australian stated: “Credit to Noel for stepping up to the plate while others, yes, David Benavidez, I’m talking about you, continue to run and hide,”
If Benavidez finalizes a matchup with Polish contender Cieslak, Mikaelian cannot be held responsible for taking the Opetaia bout. Benavidez retains a route toward an undisputed title, but he must wait for future opportunities while Opetaia headlines in Nevada this September.
