Jai Opetaia Nears Noel Mikaelian Title Fight Despite David Benavidez Order

Reports say Opetaia and Mikaelian are finalizing a cruiserweight championship fight as the WBC pushes Mikaelian toward David Benavidez

Jai Opetaia appears close to landing one of the biggest fights available at cruiserweight. Reports indicate Opetaia and WBC champion Noel Mikaelian are finalizing a title fight despite the WBC ordering Mikaelian toward a defense against David Benavidez.

Mikaelian enters the proposed fight after capturing the WBC cruiserweight title in December with a unanimous decision victory over Badou Jack. The 35-year-old German-Armenian veteran owns a record of 28-3 with 12 knockouts and would provide one of the strongest opponents of Opetaia’s career.

Lance Pugmire reported that other possibilities were explored before negotiations advanced toward Mikaelian. Those efforts included discussions involving unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez, while Mikaelian was also reportedly being pursued for a separate deal that could have led to other title fights.

Instead, the report indicates that Mikaelian has moved toward the Opetaia fight.

The matchup would also bring together two of boxing’s most recognizable promotional figures. Opetaia is aligned with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing venture, while Mikaelian is promoted by Hall of Fame promoter Don King.

For Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs), the fight would represent another major step in his pursuit of becoming the division’s clear leading fighter. While final details still need to be completed, BoxingScene reported that both sides are working toward staging the bout later this year.

If finalized, Opetaia-Mikaelian would give the cruiserweight division another significant title fight at a time when several of its leading names are pursuing major opportunities.

The WBC has ordered cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian to defend his title against unified champion David Benavidez, according to a letter obtained by @ringmagazine.

Mikaelian has been in talks to fight Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia in the fall. Benavdiez has the WBO and…

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 29, 2026

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