Jai Opetaia Set to Face WBC Champion Noel Mikaelian on September 12

Jai Opetaia will return to the ring on September 12, confirmed Zuffa Boxing, as he faces WBC cruiserweight world champion Noel Mikaelian in Las Vegas. This match will serve as the co-main event for the evening, which is highlighted by Ryan Garcia’s WBC welterweight title fight against Conor Benn at the T-Mobile Arena.

Noel Mikaelian, who holds a professional record of 28 wins and 3 losses with 12 knockouts, expressed his intention to defend his championship title in this upcoming bout. “When I step into the ring against Jai Opetaia in Las Vegas, I intend to defend my world championship,” Mikaelian commented. “This is the fight I’ve wanted since becoming a two-time world champion, and I’m ready to deliver.” Moreover, the 35-year-old noted that he has been inactive since December 2025 due to circumstances beyond his control, emphasizing, “Champions are meant to defend their titles, and that’s exactly what I’m prepared to do.”

Opetaia, formerly the IBF champion with a record of 30 wins and no losses, will defend his Ring Magazine and Zuffa cruiserweight belts in this bout. The Australian boxer expressed excitement about the event, stating, “This is a huge card, and I look forward to showing the world once again why I’m the best cruiserweight on the planet.” He also directed criticism towards David Benavidez, suggesting that he has avoided competition.

In March, the IBF stripped Opetaia after his victory over Brandon Glanton for the Zuffa belt, which the governing body did not sanction. They characterized the Zuffa belt as “a trophy or token of recognition,” not a world title, further complicating Opetaia’s standings in the division.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn