American champ awaits as Opetaia stuns with Vegas KO
Murray Wenzel |
A devastating right hook has iced a Jai Opetaia masterclass to stop Noel Mikaelian for the first time in 32 fights and pave the way for a Las Vegas encore against David Benavidez.
The Australian cruiserweight improved to 31-0 on Sunday (AEST), picking apart the WBC champion before landing a short right hook in the ninth round that stunned the German-Armenian at T-Mobile Arena.
He landed two more to send Mikaelian onto the ropes and trigger a standing count that he was no chance of beating.
It was the first time Mikaelian had been stopped, after three tight losses and 28 wins previously.
American star Benavidez was ringside and Opetaia called him onto the canvas, where the two-belt cruiserweight champion, who has won world titles in two other divisions, agreed to fight the Australian on May 5 in Vegas next year.
“I’m still here, still undefeated and like I said, who’s next,” Opetaia, who had his IBF title stripped when he debuted for new promoter Zuffa Boxing earlier this year, asked before inviting the WBA and WBO champion into the ring.
“I respect him. He’s done a lot for the sport and what better fight to make. Respectfully, let’s get it on.”
Benavidez is set to defend his belts in December but was keen to clear up any conjecture around his interest in fighting Opetaia.
“Let’s do it right here, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) next year,” he said, before the pair shook hands.
“I like this man. He looks like he likes war. I am the same way, so we’re going to give the fans a hell of a fight.”
Opetaia, sporting a swollen left eye from a first-round head clash, couldn’t hide his delight.
“He’s said it now, he’s not taking it back,” the Australian said.
Opetaia, 31, had earlier controlled the contest against the savvy 35-year-old, who found some joy in close and landed a clean right hook of his own in the seventh round that rocked the Aussie.
But otherwise Opetaia worked over the head and body in a clinical display.
Mikaelian entered the clash with the WBC belt but it’s unlikely that will be taken by Opetaia, given the organisation’s unwillingness to sanction the Zuffa bout.
Benavidez could hold it by the time they meet though, with his December fight potentially including that prize if opponent and No.1 WBC contender Michal Cieslak is awarded full status.
AAP