Jai Opetaia issued a one-sided beatdown to Noel Mikaelian, stopping the brave two-time world champion in the ninth round, before setting up a long-awaited world title showdown with the ‘Mexican Monster’ David Benavidez.
Mikaelian had never been stopped in a 31-fight career, and rattled Opetaia in the seventh, but the Aussie sprung to life in the ninth round, landing a powerful combination of hooks in close to force the stoppage.
The win moves Opetaia one step closer to a world cruiserweight title blockbuster with David Benavidez, who was ringside at T-Mobile Arena. Moments after his win, Opetaia called Benavidez out and told him to get into the ring. “I respect him, he’s done a lot for the sport,” Opetaia said of Benavidez. “He’s been awesome.
“What better fight to make. Let’s get it on.
“Let’s do it, Cinco de Mayo next year,” Benavidez said as he went face-to-face with Opetaia in the ring.
