Countdown for Mikaelian vs Makabu
The “Only in America 92” card that celebrates the 92nd birthday of one of the most fantastic promoters in boxing history, Don King, happens on Saturday at the Miami Jai Alai Casino, in Miami, Florida.
The card is headlined by the 12-round battle for the vacant World Boxing Council cruiserweight title, in which number one ranked fighter Noel Mikaelian (26-2, 11KO), will face former world champion Ilunga Makabu ( 29-3, 25KO).
Makabu, who lost his title to Badou Jack when he was stopped in the 12th round, hopes to regain the belt from him after Badou Jack announced that he will seek to capture the Green and Gold bridger title.
Noel comes to this festivity after defeating tough fighter from Congo, Youri Kayembre Kalenga, by decision.
This Friday both warriors passed the weigh-in without problems. Mikaelian registered 199.6 pounds, while Makabu was 197.8 pounds.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Mikaelian vs Makabu:
Date : Saturday November
Time : 1am UK / 9pm ET
Main event ringwalks (approx): 3am UK / 11pm ET
TV Channel / Livestream: FITE TV
Makabu vs Mikaelyan fight preview
Who is Noel Gevor Mikaelian?
Norair Mikaelian, born 18 September 1990, is better known as Noel Gevor Mikaelian, and is an Armenian-German professional boxer. He held the WBO Youth world and WBO International cruiserweight titles in 2014 and 2016 as well as the WBC International title in 2020, and was a WBC Silver world champion in 2022. He is the step-son of former European middleweight champion Khoren Gevor. Nicknamed 'Dark Horse', he is currently signed to Hall of Fame promoter Don King and is ranked as the number one and mandatory challenger for the prestigious WBC world title.
Who is Junior Ilunga Makabu?
Junior Ilunga Makabu, born 8 November 1987, is a Congolese-South African professional boxer. He held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2020 to 2023.
As of June 2022, the southpaw is ranked as the world's second-best active cruiserweight by BoxRec, and fourth by The Ring magazine and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.
He is the older brother of heavyweight boxer Martin Bakole.
Tale of the Tape
NOEL “Dark Horse” MIKAELYAN
Armenia/Germany
WBC No.1 mandatory challenger at cruiserweight
Age: 33
DOB: September 18, 1990
Residence: Miami, Florida
Birthplace: Yerevan, Armenia
Record: 32-2, 11 KOs
Total rounds: 194
Height: 6’3” – 190cm
Reach: 75” – 191cm
Stance: Right-handed
Manager: Abael Mikaelyan
Promoter: Sauerland Event
ILUNGA “Junior” MAKABU
Congo
Ranked WBC No.2 at Cruiserweight
Age: 35
DOB: November 8, 1987
Residence: Johannesburg, South Africa
Birthplace: Kananga, Democratic Republic of The Congo
Record: 29-3, 25 KOs
Total rounds: 165
World championship fights: 3-2, 1 KO
Height: 6’0” – 183cm
Reach: 74” – 188cm
Stance: Left-handed
Manager: Tarik Saadi
Promoter: Don King Productions
Betting Odds (Betway Sports)
Makabu: 1/1
Mikaelian: 7/10
Draw: 14/1
Article sponsored by HÖRFA