Jai Opetaia’s unbeaten run continues, but Noel Mikaelian made the Australian work for it before his challenge ended in the ninth round in Las Vegas.
Opetaia stopped Mikaelian at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night to retain his Ring and Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight titles, improving his unbeaten record to 31-0 with 24 knockouts.
According to Boxing 24/7 Wire, Mikaelian, the WBC cruiserweight champion, entered the fight with a record of 28-4, including 12 knockouts.
The Australian southpaw controlled much of the opening rounds with his jab, movement and punch volume, while Mikaelian remained patient and looked for opportunities to counter.
That opportunity came in the seventh round when Mikaelian landed a right hand that briefly shook Opetaia and disrupted his rhythm.
But Opetaia recovered and turned the momentum back in his favour.
In the ninth, the Australian hurt Mikaelian with a hard combination and continued throwing as Mikaelian attempted to grab one of his arms.
Referee Harvey Dock intervened and stopped the fight, with Mikaelian unable to continue.
The bout had also been surrounded by controversy before the opening bell, with Mikaelian choosing to challenge Opetaia rather than make an ordered WBC defence against David Benavidez.
Following the fight, Benavidez entered the ring and immediately called out Opetaia for a potential fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend next year.
“There can only be one monster in this weight division, and it’s me,” Benavidez told Opetaia.
Opetaia accepted the challenge, responding: “We’re gonna give the fans a hell of a fight.”
The proposed matchup would pit the unbeaten Opetaia against Benavidez, who is looking to make his mark in the cruiserweight division.
(Source: Boxing 24/7 Wire)
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