Instead of waiting any longer for Benavidez, Noel Mikaelian is set to face Jai Opetaia—and thus take on one of the most dangerous boxers in the world. However, he also risks getting in trouble with the WBC.
Noel Mikaelian has apparently had enough of waiting. The WBC cruiserweight world champion had actually agreed to a unification bout against David Benavidez. But after more than two months without any concrete contract documents or an official offer, the 35-year-old has now opted for another major fight: Mikaelian will face Jai Opetaia on September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The bout is scheduled as a 12-round fight and is set to take place as the co-main event ahead of the matchup between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn. Mikaelian will face one of the most dangerous fighters in the weight class: Opetaia is undefeated, is listed as the champion by “The Ring,” and is considered a technically skilled, agile southpaw with great punching power.
In an interview with “The Ring,” Mikaelian explained why he didn’t want to wait any longer for the Benavidez fight. He said he agreed to the bout immediately, but more than 60 days had passed since then without him receiving a contract. “I have to make a living. I have to fight. I have to build my career. I can’t wait forever,” Mikaelian said.
Trouble with the WBC?
The decision is also controversial because the WBC had actually obligated Mikaelian to fight Benavidez. Benavidez holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles and is also the WBC light heavyweight world champion. Mikaelian, on the other hand, believes he is entitled to a voluntary title defense first—and that is exactly what he now intends to do against Opetaia. It remains to be seen whether the WBC will accept this. There is even speculation that Mikaelian could lose his WBC title because of the Opetaia fight.
From the Armenian’s perspective, however, the Benavidez fight isn’t completely off the table. Mikaelian emphasized that the winner of the bout against Opetaia could then face Benavidez in December or January. So the fight isn’t canceled—he just can’t wait a whole year for Benavidez.
In the ring, Mikaelian is expecting a tough challenge against Opetaia. The Australian is undefeated, has defeated Mairis Briedis twice, and most recently defended his Ring title against Brandon Glanton. Mikaelian expressed his respect, calling Opetaia a “very good fighter” who is technically strong, agile, young, ambitious, and dangerous.
For Mikaelian, the fight in Las Vegas is therefore more than just an alternative. It’s a championship showdown fraught with risk, sporting drama, and potential implications at the negotiating table. While Benavidez remains an option in the background, the WBC champion’s focus is now fully on Opetaia—and on the chance to impressively solidify his position in the cruiserweight division.
Text by Robin Josten