Ilunga Makabu attempts to immediately regain the WBC cruiserweight title that he lost in February, as he takes on Noel Mikaelyan for the vacant belt on a Don King promoted bill at Casino Jai Alai in Miami.
Makabu vs Mikaelyan seems unlikely to go the distance. Makabu (29-3, 25K KOs) is a massive puncher, and after losing on debut, he built a strong record, and after knocking out Thabiso Mchunu in South Africa in 2015, he earned a shot at the vacant WBC title against Tony Bellew at Everton FC in May 2016. After dominating the first three rounds, knocking Bellew down in the opener, Makabu was halted in three rounds.
The 35-year-old from Congo rebuilt again, winning seven on the bounce to gain another crack at WBC honours, and this time he became world champion, taking a points win against Michal Cieslak in January 2020. A stoppage defence followed, before Makabu edged past Mchunu in a rematch, this time via split decision.
‘Junior’ was last out in February in Saudi Arabia, losing his crown in a final round stoppage defeat to Badou Jack. Jack has since vacanted to fight for the same title at bridgerweight, and in steps Mikaelyan (26-2, 11 KOs), who contests at world title level for the first time.
The German born in Armenia has only lost in good company, to Krzysztof Wlodarczyk by split decision in Poland in May 2017, and to Mairis Briedis in 2018 via unanimous decision. He is on a run of three wins, the last a wide points win against Youri Kalenga for the vacant WBC Silver strap, but that was in February 2022.
Prediction: Mikaelyan has rust to shed, and Makabu always looks to end matters early, and I believe Makabu can regain his crown via stoppage in the first half of the contest.
Undercard action
Trevor Bryan (22-1, 15 KOs) looks to get back into contention after being walloped by Daniel Dubois last June, losing his WBA title in the process in a fourth round knockout loss. He should return with a points win over Cassius Chaney (22-1, 15 KOs) in what could be a tough watch.
Prediction: Bryan via Decision
Jonathan Giudry (19-1-2, 11 KOs), who lost to Bryan via split decision last January, is coming off a career-best win, a ten round landslide points win against Bermane Stiverne, and he can win on the cards against 43-year-old Jesus Escalera (19-0, 19 KOs), who has been matched softly this far.
Prediction: Guidry via Decision
Isiah Efrain Riquelmy (5-1, 4 KOs) should triumph early in his scheduled six rounder against Rondale Hubbert (15-25-3, 9 KOs).
Prediction: Riquelmy via KO
