WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian a/k/a Norair Mikaelian (pictured) is entangled in promotional difficulties that are keeping him from defending the title he won vs. Badou Jack in December. The WBC says it granted him a voluntary defense to be followed by two mandatory defenses. But after six months, no voluntary defense is scheduled. The WBC writes: "Alberto Leon was appointed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman deal with both camps [the champion's manager and promoter] to try to resolve all their problems, but as of last night, there has been no positive result and the management of Mikaelian continues to be at odds with their promoter. At the same time, a great positive story has developed: our light heavyweight champion [David Benavidez] fought a cruiserweight bout and conquered the WBA and WBO belts. Benavidez visited Mexico and has his mind only on winning the WBC cruiserweight championship. The WBC has received a letter from his promoter with the petition to mandate Mikaelian to make his first mandatory defense against Benavidez. The WBC Board has voted in favor to order Mikaelian to fight mandatorily Benavidez. The WBC is extremely proud of this ruling as it will certainly bring the best benefits to both parties after witnessing the mediation process which was not successful."