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Add FightsATW on GoogleWhat’s at stake for Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) and Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) when they fight Saturday in the co-feature of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Will It happen?
Earlier this week, various outlets reported that Don King, Mikaelian’s promoter, issued a cease-and-desist. Now the question is: do we get across the finish line? Rumors had circulated in internet circles for weeks that potential replacements were being sought. Now, we just hope to see Opetaia.
Jai Opetaia: One of The Best & Most Ignored
Opetaia has earned his place among the best. That said, the last two years haven’t gone his way. He had three IBF cruiserweight title defenses. Then he signed with Zuffa Boxing, becoming their first high-profile fighter.
His March bout was supposed to be a must-see affair, with action fighter Brandon Glanton as his opponent. Instead, it was lackluster; Opetaia won, but it wasn’t the emphatic statement we wanted.
Plus, fight week was filled with drama over his IBF title, which the sanctioning body eventually stripped from him for participating in an unsanctioned bout, the Zuffa fight. After the bout, though, broadcaster Max Kellerman proclaimed him the “undisputed champion.” It sounded great, but it wasn’t factually accurate, as Mikaelian and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez held titles at the time.
Opetaia’s talent has never been the question, but he fights in the no-man’s-land of cruiserweight. There is one great fight there: David Benavidez. Outside of that, even against contenders or champions, it lacks appeal. So Opetaia needs something special this week, as his prime is slowly drifting away.
Does Noel Mikaelian Have A Chance?
Everyone does, right?
Mikaelian beat Badou Jack in December to claim the title after losing their first bout. Mikaelian’s problem is career inactivity and being out of sight, out of mind since his best win. He is a belt holder, but to most fight fans, Opetaia’s talent dwarfs his prior achievements, including beating Ilunga Junior Makabu and losing a close fight to Mairis Briedis.
Sometimes this is the perfect storm. For Opetaia, his last two fights have been marred by outside-the-ring distractions; if this goes through, Mikaelian could be fighting with house money to improve his standing in the sport. If so, that is dangerous.
David Benavidez Should Be Next
No word on the return of “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez, an American star boxer who is probably the best cruiserweight by the eye test (though some prefer Opetaia). With no fight yet planned for Benavidez, can we hope he will face the winner?
I sure hope so, and maybe if it ends quickly, we could get it by December? Okay, that is probably a pipe dream, but still.
The Eye Test For Opetaia vs Mikaelian
Opetaia is too talented and too fast. Mikaelian is underrated, but one of his best traits is applying pressure and being tough. Neither trait is likely ideal when fighting Opetaia. The eye test says this is a statement win for Opetaia.
What Do The Odds Say?
The oddsmakers agree with the eye test.
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