Ilunga Junior Makabu is taking his talents to South Beach! On January 21, 2023, Noel Mikaelian will challenge Makabu for the WBC Cruiserweight Championship at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.
“These are the two best cruiserweights in the world,” promoter Don King said, per Boxing Scene.
“We are going to give Miami and boxing fans across the country another action-packed boxing card. Makabu will show the world once again why he is number one and Mikaelyan is out to prove he’s the best.”
At 35 years old, Makabu has amassed a record of 29-2 with 25 knockouts, including two defenses of his cruiserweight title. Makabu last fought Thabiso Mchunu in Ohio. While he did secure a split-decision victory, some detractors felt that he may have lost the bout. Nearly a full year later, he is looking to prove that he is among the best in the cruiserweight division.
Makabu’s opponent, Noel Mikaelian, has also spent much of the year out of the ring. The 32-year-old German fighter last earned a unanimous decision against Youri Kayembre Kalenga in February. Now, he will have an opportunity to upgrade his WBC Silver Cruiserweight Championship to a full world championship on January 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
