“Count on David Benavidez to battle Michal Cieslak on Dec. 12 with ongoing conversations for Benavidez to battle winner of Sept. 12 Ring Journal cruiserweight championship battle between Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian,” Coppinger acknowledged on X.
The proposed date provides Benavidez a chance to strengthen his grip on the cruiserweight division. He owns the WBA and WBO belts after stopping Gilberto Ramirez within the sixth spherical in Might. Cieślak holds the WBC interim title and should compete for the complete belt if the sanctioning physique strips Mikaelian.
Cieślak offers a stable alternative, although he falls wanting elite standing. The 37-year-old Polish contender has stopped 22 opponents, but he misplaced each occasions he challenged for a full world title. Ilunga Makabu defeated him on factors in 2020, and Lawrence Okolie clearly outboxed him two years later.
Benavidez owns vital benefits in hand pace, mixture punching, and work fee. Cieślak carries sufficient energy to punish errors, however the pairing provides Benavidez a safer problem than dealing with Opetaia instantly.
Claims about preventing the September winner require skepticism. Early discussions don’t assure a signed contract, particularly in opposition to Opetaia, the main risk at cruiserweight.
Benavidez has proven little public curiosity in that matchup. Most of his consideration has remained fastened on Canelo Alvarez and profitable alternatives at gentle heavyweight. Opetaia has pursued the largest cruiserweight fights with out receiving a dedication from Benavidez’s camp.
Beating Cieślak could give Benavidez a 3rd cruiserweight belt, relying on the WBC’s ruling. It doesn’t guarantee a battle with Opetaia subsequent 12 months. The December date could turn into a manageable belt seize whereas Benavidez’s staff continues discussing a much more harmful unification that by no means reaches the contract stage.
