
Strip session: Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelian can't find sense in losing their titles
Noel Mikaelian and Jai Opetaia are heading into a cruiserweight showdown in full control of their own destinies, writes Lance Pugmire
Jai Opetaia: record, next fight and profile →

Noel Mikaelian and Jai Opetaia are heading into a cruiserweight showdown in full control of their own destinies, writes Lance Pugmire

Veteran promoter Don King on Tuesday delivered a cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa Boxing and parent company TKO Group Holdings attempting to stop King-promoted WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian from fighting in Saturday’s co-main event bout versus former IBF champion Jai Opetaia.

Noel Mikaelian would like to remain WBC cruiserweight champion, but expects the WBC to strip him of his belt once he steps into the ring against unbeaten Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.


WBC presses champion Noel Mikaelian to commit to Zuffa's Jai Opetaia or defense versus David Benavidez

BoxingScene's Lance Pugmire explains the ongoing situation with Noel Mikaelian accepting an offer to fight Jai Opetaia when his promoter Don King had arranged for him to face David Benavidez. Lance also shares his thoughts on William Zepeda's win over Lamont Roach Jr. and Raymond Muratalla's next move.

The future of Noel Mikaelian’s reign as WBC cruiserweight champion became tenuous Tuesday with Zuffa Boxing announcing he will fight its champion, Jai Opetaia of Australia, September 12 in Las Vegas

Former International Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia’s has filed a lawsuit against the IBF alleging the New Jersey-based sanctioning body, along with other sanctioning bodies and prominent figures in the sport, conspired against him and engaged in an “industry-wide conspiracy.”

Chris Billam-Smith wants Jai Opetaia after beating Ryan Rozicki but the cruiserweight contender won't put his career on hold to wait for the former IBF beltholder.

Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia has outlined that his boxing mission remains to be the undisputed champion at 200lbs.