Ryan Rozicki ‘can’t wait’ for Sept. 28 to challenge Noel Mikaelian

Ryan Rozicki is scheduled to finally challenge cruiserweight titleholder Noel Mikaelian on Sept. 28 at Casino Miami.

Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs), from Yerevan, Armenia, and fighting out of Miami, was originally scheduled to defend his world title against Canada’s Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) on June 7, but the fight was postponed due to a cut Mikaelian suffered in training.

“It was disappointing that I wasn’t able to face Rozicki in June, but my injury has healed to perfection and I’m ready to go,” Mikaelian said. “I can’t wait for Sept. 28 and to defend my world title during this massive Don King event.”

Rozicki, ranked No. 1 by the WBC and No. 8 by the WBA, is on a seven-fight winning streak since losing a 12-round unanimous decision to Oscar Rivas three years ago. Against Mikaelian, Rozicki will be challenging for a title for the first time.

King said the fight date was previously discussed to take place Sept. 14 but was moved two weeks ahead because of a busy calendar that includes Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s Mexican Independence Day weekend date and the first UFC card staged at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

“I’m glad we were able to reschedule this fight, and now I will finally get what is rightfully mine,” Rozicki said. “Mikaelian can’t delay my date with destiny any longer, and I will put that world title belt around my waist come Sept. 28.”

The 33-year-old Mikaelian signed a promotional pact with Don King Promotions in November 2022 and went on to win his cruiserweight title against Ilunga Junior Makabu a year later. Since losing a decision to former cruiserweight titleholder Mairis Briedis, Mikaelian has won four in a row, against Isossa Mondo, Jesse Bryan, Youri Kayembre and Makabu.

Mikaelian will finally make his maiden title defense against Rozicki.