(March 27th) The world’s greatest boxing promoter and International Boxing Hall of Famer Don King announced today that he has offered his WBC Cruiserweight World Champion, Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) his next opponent. In a matchup scheduled to take place this June if Mikaelian accepts the challenge to defend his world title, the Yerevan, Armenia native has been pitted against WBC NABF Bridgerweight Champion Lyubomyr Pinchuk (17-4-2, 11 KOs).

“We’ve moved forward with one of the WBC’s ranked contenders and Lyubomyr Pinchuk has signed the bout sheet and is looking forward to a mid-June championship fight.

“I have contacted my champion Noel Mikaelian as we wait to confirm this amazing matchup for this coming June,” said King. “Mikaelian is a tried-and-true world champion and our success inside and outside of the ring is a testament to our relationship. Pinchuk is a dangerous opponent for anyone in the cruiserweight division, and I look forward to building Mikaelian’s next title defense.”

“Noel showed his greatness after being robbed of his championship in his first fight with Badou Jack. He dominated him in the rematch, showing what a true fighter he is in taking his title back.”

“We will be putting together a great boxing card for the people and Mikaelian-Pinchuk will be a spectacular main event.”

Hailing from Lviv, Ukraine and currently training out of Pittsburgh, Pa., Pinchuk prepares to enter his first world title outing on the strength of three consecutive knockout victories. After turning professional in 2017 and scoring four straight knockouts, the 29-year-old Pinchuk is currently on a career revitalization after suffering two defeats in 2022 and a draw in 2023. The challenger is now poised to square off against the highly decorated two-time WBC Cruiserweight Champion.

In a relationship spanning back to 2022, King has guided Mikaelian to boxing greatness. The current champion’s first fight under the Don King Productions banner saw a vacant WBC Cruiserweight Title showdown against South Africa’s Ilunga Makabu. After scoring a devasting third-round knockout over Makabu, Mikaelian squared off against former WBC light heavyweight world champion Badou Jack in a fight-of-the-year candidate. Now on the heels of winning his title back in a highly anticipated rematch against Jack, Mikaelian is positioned to accept his biggest challenge to date.

About Don King Productions

Don King Productions (DKP) is one of the most recognizable boxing promotional companies in the history of professional boxing. The firm was founded in 1974 by Hall of Fame promoter Don King, who became one of the most influential and controversial figures in the sport.

Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, the company became synonymous with some of the most historic and financially successful events in boxing history. Among the most famous were The Rumble in the Jungle in 1974 and Thrilla in Manila in 1975, both featuring heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali.

Over a promotional career spanning more than five decades, Don King Productions has staged hundreds of world title fights and helped guide numerous fighters to million-dollar purses. The company has promoted an extraordinary roster of world champions and international stars, including:

Muhammad Ali

Mike Tyson

Evander Holyfield

Julio César Chávez

Félix Trinidad

Bernard Hopkins

In recent years, the company has continued to promote championship fighters, including Noel Mikaelian, who has held the WBC Cruiserweight Championship.

Known for Don King’s flamboyant personality, iconic upright hairstyle, and bold promotional style, Don King Productions played a major role in transforming boxing into a global television spectacle. King helped negotiate record purses for fighters and organized large international events that brought championship boxing to audiences around the world.

Despite legal controversies and major changes in the boxing business over the decades, Don King has remained active in the sport into the 21st century, continuing to promote professional boxing events under the Don King Productions banner.