David Benavidez ‘Can Be A Problem’ For Jai Opetaia, Says Teddy Atlas

Jai Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs) and David Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) have verbally agreed to fight in 2027, with the Cinco de Mayo weekend in May as the target. Boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas, however, has a word of advice for Opetaia: ‘WATCH YOUR BACK!!!!’

Talking at THE FIGHT, Atlas analyzed each fighter’s skill set and how they hold up against each other.

“He’s got the quicker hands; I think that’s one advantage. But he’s got power, too, just like Opetaia. And he’s a warrior, just like Opetaia. They’re both undefeated; they’re both champions,” he said. “Benavidez is a guy, though, that throws with speed and power and punches in clusters. And that can be a problem.”

The agreement came immediately after Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in the ninth round on September 12. Benavidez was ringside, and Opetaia called him into the ring. Rather than a conventional trash-talking callout, the two were remarkably respectful. Opetaia said he wanted the fight, and Benavidez immediately replied, “Let’s do it next year. Cinco de Mayo.”

However, a sanctioning-body complication remains. The WBC has stripped Mikaelian and installed Michal Cieślak as its cruiserweight champion, ordering a Cieślak vs. Benavidez bout, with the winner then required to face Opetaia. Thus, the direct Benavidez–Opetaia fight could depend on how those championship obligations are resolved.

While the fight isn’t yet a fully finalized, formally announced bout contract, Atlas is pretty sure of the direction it would take when it happens.

“You can time it, but that might give Benavidez an edge. Opetaia might have to hurt him to slow him down and win the fight on points. It’s hard to visualize Opetaia outworking him when it comes to volume,” he said.

“We’ll Be There”

Opetaia recently made an appearance on the Mr. Verzace podcast, where he doubled down on his wish to make the fight a reality.

“I feel like me and Benavidez will fight. He’s got most of the belts at the moment. I really still believe in the undisputed dream. All I need is him to sign the contract. Let’s get the fight over the line. Whether the date works for me or not, I’m in my position. These guys are the ones picking the dates. Send me the date. Send me the location. We’ll be there,” he said.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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