A high-profile cruiserweight showdown: Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian will face off on the Garcia-Benn card. However, it remains to be seen whether Mikaelian’s WBC title is on the line.
Noel Mikaelian is set to face what is likely the most important fight of his second run at the world title. The WBC cruiserweight world champion will face Jai Opetaia on September 12 in the co-main event of the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn bout in Las Vegas. Zuffa Boxing confirmed the matchup on Tuesday.
However, it remains to be seen whether Mikaelian will be allowed to defend his WBC belt in that fight. The world governing body had actually required the Armenian to make a mandatory defense against David Benavidez. If the fight against Opetaia takes place as planned, the 35-year-old faces the possibility of having his WBC title stripped.
“Champions must defend their titles”
After his long hiatus, Mikaelian himself didn’t want to wait any longer for a fight. He last stepped into the ring in December 2025, when he defeated Badou Jack by decision in a rematch and reclaimed the WBC belt. “This is the fight I’ve wanted since winning my second world title. I’m going to defend my world title,” Mikaelian said. His advisor, Anthony Girges, also emphasized that Team Benavidez had not submitted a concrete offer despite the WBC’s directive.
Opetaia is likely to be his toughest opponent yet. The undefeated Australian is considered the number one contender in the cruiserweight division and is bringing the Ring title with him to Las Vegas. This presents Mikaelian with the chance to finally establish himself at the top of the weight class.
Text by Robin Josten