Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian fuel a potential cruiserweight unification with a staredown at the first “Zuffa Boxing” event.
The first Zuffa boxing event under the guidance of Dana White saw a real goosebump moment at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas as IBF and Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia and WBC world champion Noel Mikaelian came face-to-face after the event and fueled a potential cruiserweight title unification. In around six weeks’ time, on March 8, a blockbuster could take place – a unification fight between two of the best 90.7 kg fighters in the world.
Opetaia left no doubt of his ambitions after Zuffa Boxing’s debut. Unbeaten Australian Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 knockouts), who recently signed with Dana White and Zuffa, confirmed his next appearance. “I’ll be making my Zuffa debut on March 8th here at (Meta) APEX,” Opetaia explained in the post-fight show interview on Paramount+ with Molly Qerim and Mike Coppinger.
The power puncher sees Zuffa Boxing as the start of a new chapter: “Zuffa is a new chapter. You’re here – whether people like it or not. These are new paths. You see rising stars. That’s something to be proud of. I’m convinced that these guys will get me the big fights. I want to be Zuffa’s first undisputed champion.”
Opetaia also had words of praise for Dana White: “I’ve gained even more respect for Zuffa Boxing and Dana White being here in Vegas. This environment has increased my respect for Dana even more.”
His potential opponent Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 knockouts) also has plenty of world-class experience. The 35-year-old Armenian-born cruiserweight won the WBC title just over two years ago against Ilunga Makabu. Although he lost a controversial Majority Decision against Badou Jack in Saudi Arabia last May, he got his revenge in December – this time with a unanimous points victory.
A duel between Opetaia and Mikaelian would not only be a clash of styles at the highest level, but also one of the biggest fights the cruiserweight division currently has to offer. Zuffa Boxing could make a real statement early on – with a unification fight that reshuffles the weight class.