Noel Mikaelian won his first world title belt by defeating Ilunga “Junior” Makabu on Saturday night at Casino Jai Alai. Mikaelian knocked down Makabu twice and won by a third-round knockout to become the new WBC cruiserweight champion.
During the second round, Mikaelian knocked down Makabu for the first time. Despite beating the count, Makabu continued to take a lot of punishment. In the third round, Mikaelian landed a right hand and a flurry of punches that sent Makabu to the canvas. The referee called off the match at 1:00.
Mikaelian, who is of Armenian descent and grew up in Germany, expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the victory. He stated that he had waited two years for this opportunity and was determined to leave no doubts about winning the title. Mikaelian also mentioned that he is the first German to win a world championship on American soil in 90 years since Max Schmeling.
Mikaelian has won his last four fights following a controversial loss to Mairis Briedis in 2018. His only other defeat was a split decision loss to Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2017.
Makabu, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and residing in Johannesburg, South Africa, now has a record of 29 wins, 4 losses, and 25 knockouts. He previously lost the WBC title to Badu Jack in February.
The Makabu-Mikaelian fight was originally scheduled to take place in January, but it was canceled. Makabu then defended his title against Jack.
In another bout on the same card, heavyweight Jonathan Guidry knocked out Jesus Escalera in two rounds. Guidry’s record now stands at 20-1-2 with 12 knockouts.
Escalera, with a record of 19-1 with 19 knockouts, was sent to the canvas by a right cross in the second round. He was counted out at 2:00.
Cassius Chaney, a fringe heavyweight contender, defeated Trevor Bryan by a one-punch knockout. Chaney’s record improved to 23-1 with 16 knockouts.
Chaney dropped Bryan in the second round, and in the seventh round, he delivered a right cross to Bryan’s head, resulting in a knockout. The referee stopped the match at 2:03.
Brian’s record now stands at 22-2 with 15 knockouts.
The event was promoted by Don King as part of his 92nd birthday celebration.
Francisco A. Salazar has been writing for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. You can contact him at: [email protected]
