Photos by David Martin Warr
In a clash for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title, #1 rated Noel Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) stopped former champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (29-4, 25 KOs) in round three on Saturday night at Casino Miami Jai Alai in Miami Florida. Mikaelian dropped Makabu in round two with a right hand. Mikaelian tried to finish Makabu but Makabu weathered the storm. In round three, Mikaelian floored Makabu again. Makabu beat the count but the referee waved it off. Time was 1:00.
“I didn’t expect the knockout so early, but I knew my hand would be raised (in victory) at the end of the night,” said Mikaelian. “I’m so happy. I waited two years. I was so close to winning that belt and this time I didn’t want to leave any doubts.
“I had a great camp…I’m the first German to win a world championship on American soil in 90 years, since Max Schmelling.”
Now Noel will be fighting the Canadian Ryan rozicki or Durodola. I think either of them guys beat Noel. I do think rozicki will be the face of the CW
But isn’t Rozicki the Bridgerweight champion? Are you saying he changes divisions?
It’s not Ryan Rozicki who is bridgerweight champ. It’s Lukasz Rozanski.
Canelo should have fought Makabu when he’s the champion. He should be a 5 weight champion now
That is the cherry picking people talk about! He must fight the new champion
Fans were as interested in seeing that as they would have been seeing Canelo fight me lol. No one wanted that fight. Well except for those who are okay with fighter padding their records. I’m a Canelo fan and would much rather see him destroy Benavidez as I know he can do if they fight.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought Badou Jack was the WBC Cruiserweight champion.
Jack gave the belt up to try and get the Bridgerweight title then call it a career since he couldn’t agree with Canelo for a money fight
Correct. Confirmed by ESPN and WBC site. Perhaps the Cruiserweight Silver title? Something is missing here…
I hope Junior retires as he’s a nice guy who doesn’t need to be getting beaten up like this and he just was never really good enough to hang on to a world title. He did the Congo proud as he did legitimately win a world championship outright. But, it’s time for him to hang them up.
Chris, agree, Makabu is a great guy, but this is it for him. Enjoyed following his career, he was really good at a time, but his co-ordination and punch resistance is gone now.
Excited for Noel. I think he’s undefeated. The 2 marks against him were bad decisions. I had him WAY up against Briedis. Terrible decision.
I think he is a very good fighter that will be champion for some time. He does nothing great, but just a very sound fighter with all around skills and boxing knowledge
Solid career and a highlight TKO win over Glen Johnson. At the age of 35 and a 3rd round KO loss it may be time to hang them up. He’s an inspiration for all future boxers/champions from Congo.