Jai Opetaia Rips David Benavidez After Noel Mikaelian Fight Announced
The matchup follows a WBC order for Mikaelian to defend against David Benavidez, raising the prospect of a vacant cruiserweight title.
- On Tuesday, Zuffa Boxing confirmed that Australian Jai Opetaia will face WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as the co-main event of the Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn card.
- The WBC previously ordered Mikaelian to defend his championship against mandatory challenger David Benavidez, but by choosing Opetaia instead, the champion now risks being stripped of his WBC belt soon.
- Opetaia praised Mikaelian for "stepping up to the plate" while accusing Benavidez of continuing to "run and hide." Mikaelian stated he intends to defend his world championship, noting he has not fought since December 2025.
- Should the organization follow its established framework, Mikaelian would be stripped of the title, leaving it vacant. The WBC could then order a fight between Benavidez and interim titleholder Michal Cieslak to determine the next champion.
- Notably, the WBC was absent from Tuesday's fight announcement. Benavidez, who moved up to cruiserweight in May by defeating Gilberto Ramirez, remains the designated mandatory challenger despite potential interest in light-heavyweight bouts against Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev.
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David Benavidez accused of 'running and hiding' by 'the best cruiserweight on the planet'
If David Benavidez decides to stick around in the cruiserweight ranks, there is a bitter rivalry brewing. Benavidez moved up to cruiserweight in May, stopping Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds to claim the WBA and WBO world titles. Although many expected Benavidez to return to light-heavyweight in pursuit of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, his […] The post David Benavidez accused of ‘running and hiding’ by ‘the best cruiserweight on the planet’ a…
Jai Opetaia Fires Shot At David Benavidez After Fight Vs Noel Mikaelian Announced For Zuffa Boxing Championship
Zuffa Boxing champion Jai Opetaia has a message for rival David Benavidez. On Tuesday, it was announced that Opetaia would defend his Zuffa Boxing and Ring Magazine title against Noel Mikaelian on September 12th’s Garcia-Benn undercard. Opetaia, who has called for a fight against Benavidez, credited Mikaelian for taking the fight while Benavidez declined. “This […] The post Jai Opetaia Fires Shot At David Benavidez After Fight Vs Noel Mikaelian …
Jai Opetaia Rips David Benavidez After Noel Mikaelian Fight Announced
Zuffa Boxing confirmed Tuesday that Jai Opetaia will face WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian in the co-main event of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena ... read more Jai Opetaia Rips David Benavidez After Noel Mikaelian Fight Announced @ Boxing News 24/7
Jai Opetaia Lands Noel Mikaelian Fight As WBC Faces Rules Test
Zuffa Boxing confirmed Tuesday that Jai Opetaia will face WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian in the co-main event of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena ... continue Jai Opetaia Lands Noel Mikaelian Fight As WBC Faces Rules Test @ Boxing News 24
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