2 months ago
Jai Opetaia became the first opponent to stop Noel Mikaelian in the co-main event Saturday in Las Vegas.
Following the win, Opetaia was joined in the ring by current unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez.
The two men agreed to face each other next May 2027 in Las Vegas to the delight of fans at the T-Mobile Arena.
The co-main event delivered a win for Jai Opetaia in the ring, and thrilled fans with news of a unification superfight next May in Las Vegas. Start making your travel plans now.
First things first. Opetaia did what no one had yet managed to do: stop Noel Mikaelian.
#opetaia #main
Following the win, Opetaia was joined in the ring by current unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez.
The two men agreed to face each other next May 2027 in Las Vegas to the delight of fans at the T-Mobile Arena.
The co-main event delivered a win for Jai Opetaia in the ring, and thrilled fans with news of a unification superfight next May in Las Vegas. Start making your travel plans now.
First things first. Opetaia did what no one had yet managed to do: stop Noel Mikaelian.
#opetaia #main
2 months ago
Jai Opetaia scored a brutal technical knockout win in the ninth round of his cruiserweight clash with Noel Mikaelian on Saturday night, then lined up a potentially massive showdown with pound-for-pound star David Benavidez for Cinco de Mayo next year.
It all went down at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn undercard, and provided the sport with something it has lacked — continuity — in a 200-pound division often overlooked in favor of the traditionally more glamorous weight classes that surround it.
Opetaia walked to the ring sweating, as if he'd warmed up with intent to hurt, and he needed no second invitation to land the first punch of the night. He kept his forearms high to thwart Mikaelian's probing punches, throwing single shots in return, mostly to the head and to the body too. But a clash of heads, likely caused by their opposing stances, appeared to open a cut below Opetaia's eye, slowing The Ring champion's momentum.
IS THIS FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN ⁉️
See y'all next Cinco de Mayo 👀#GarciaBenn pic.twitter.com/rzWlLyVCzN
Whether it was the bruising that had begun to grow, or the loss of his friend and former trainer Louis Meehan, who was shot dead Wednesday in a Sydney suburb, Opetaia seemed momentarily subdued.
#mayo #next
It all went down at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn undercard, and provided the sport with something it has lacked — continuity — in a 200-pound division often overlooked in favor of the traditionally more glamorous weight classes that surround it.
Opetaia walked to the ring sweating, as if he'd warmed up with intent to hurt, and he needed no second invitation to land the first punch of the night. He kept his forearms high to thwart Mikaelian's probing punches, throwing single shots in return, mostly to the head and to the body too. But a clash of heads, likely caused by their opposing stances, appeared to open a cut below Opetaia's eye, slowing The Ring champion's momentum.
IS THIS FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN ⁉️
See y'all next Cinco de Mayo 👀#GarciaBenn pic.twitter.com/rzWlLyVCzN
Whether it was the bruising that had begun to grow, or the loss of his friend and former trainer Louis Meehan, who was shot dead Wednesday in a Sydney suburb, Opetaia seemed momentarily subdued.
#mayo #next
2 months ago
Jai Opetaia defended his ****** les with a nasty ninth round standing knockout over Noel Mikaelyan but the bigger moment may have come just a few minutes later when he stared down David Benavidez in hopes of setting up a showdown between them next year.
As the top cruiserweight in the sport, it was no surprise tha Opetaia got the job done on Saturday as he chipped away at Mikaelyan until he finally got the finish. But then Opetaia invited Benavidez into the ring and the two fighters showed nothing but respect and agreed it's time for them to meet in the ring for real.
"He's done a lot for the sport," Opetaia said about Benavidez. "What better fight to make. Let's get it on."
For his part, Benavidez was quick to accept that challenge with hopes that he can add yet another ****** le to his resume in the near future.
"There can only be one monster in this division," Benavidez said. "I'm the person they call when you've got to kill the boogeyman."
#opetaia #ring #noel
As the top cruiserweight in the sport, it was no surprise tha Opetaia got the job done on Saturday as he chipped away at Mikaelyan until he finally got the finish. But then Opetaia invited Benavidez into the ring and the two fighters showed nothing but respect and agreed it's time for them to meet in the ring for real.
"He's done a lot for the sport," Opetaia said about Benavidez. "What better fight to make. Let's get it on."
For his part, Benavidez was quick to accept that challenge with hopes that he can add yet another ****** le to his resume in the near future.
"There can only be one monster in this division," Benavidez said. "I'm the person they call when you've got to kill the boogeyman."
#opetaia #ring #noel
2 months ago
With a three-belt unification against Noel Mikaelian off the table for now, Mike Coppinger reports that David Benavidez will return to action on December 12th. Coppinger "expect[s]" him to meet interim WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak, confirming an earlier report from Abraham Gonzalez, who claims it will land in the "area" of Benavidez's birthplace of Phoenix, Arizona.
Cieslak (28-2, 22 KO), whose only pro losses came in ******* le bids against Ilunga Makabu and Lawrence Okolie, mollywhopped the remains of Jean Pascal two Junes ago for his seventh consecutive victory since falling to Okolie in 2022. He's not a particularly glamorous opponent and doesn't have the deepest body of work outside of faded vets like Pascal, Olanrewaju Durodola, and Youri Kayembre Kalenga, but he's a solid operator and hasn't gone the distance in victory since 2018.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KO) made short work of "Zurdo" Ramirez in his cruiserweight debut to claim the WBA and WBO ******* les. He then flexed his status as reigning WBC light heavyweight champion to push for a rare mandatory unification against Mikaelian. Sampson Lewkowicz and Don King claim to have worked out a deal, but Mikaelian elected to try his luck with Zuffa instead, which I'm still convinced will result in a lawsuit.
Thus, a kinda-palatable ******* le defense. Maybe next time.
#benavidez
Cieslak (28-2, 22 KO), whose only pro losses came in ******* le bids against Ilunga Makabu and Lawrence Okolie, mollywhopped the remains of Jean Pascal two Junes ago for his seventh consecutive victory since falling to Okolie in 2022. He's not a particularly glamorous opponent and doesn't have the deepest body of work outside of faded vets like Pascal, Olanrewaju Durodola, and Youri Kayembre Kalenga, but he's a solid operator and hasn't gone the distance in victory since 2018.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KO) made short work of "Zurdo" Ramirez in his cruiserweight debut to claim the WBA and WBO ******* les. He then flexed his status as reigning WBC light heavyweight champion to push for a rare mandatory unification against Mikaelian. Sampson Lewkowicz and Don King claim to have worked out a deal, but Mikaelian elected to try his luck with Zuffa instead, which I'm still convinced will result in a lawsuit.
Thus, a kinda-palatable ******* le defense. Maybe next time.
#benavidez
3 months ago
Despite a standing order to defend his WBC cruiserweight ***** le against David Benavidez, Noel Mikaelian will meet Jai Opetaia in the co-feature of Zuffa Boxing's Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"This is a huge card, and I look forward to showing the world once again why I'm the best cruiserweight on the planet," Opetaia said. "Credit to Noel for stepping up to the plate while others — yes, David Benavidez, I'm talking about you — continue to run and hide."
"This is a massive fight for Jai, and it's refreshing to see a top-tier cruiserweight step forward when so many continue to avoid the challenge," said Mick Francis, Opetaia's longtime manager. "He's proud to defend the Zuffa Boxing and Ring ***** les on the biggest stage."
"When I step into the ring on September 12 against Jai Opetaia in Las Vegas, I intend to defend my world championship. This is the fight I've wanted since becoming a two-time world champion, and I'm ready to deliver," Mikaelian said. "I haven't fought since December 2025 because of circumstances outside of my control. I refused to stay inactive. Champions are meant to defend their ***** les, and that's exactly what I'm prepared to do."
It's certainly a better matchup than the Glanton fight that kicked off this whole debacle in the first place. but I personally would not put any stake in this happening. Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KO) is under contract with Don King, who remains as vexatiously litigant as ever and has a long history of quashing any attempt by his fighters to compete outside of his purview. Dan Rafael reports that King, who'd reached a deal with Benavidez promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, will follow his usual M.O. and "likely" file suit.
#opetaia
"This is a huge card, and I look forward to showing the world once again why I'm the best cruiserweight on the planet," Opetaia said. "Credit to Noel for stepping up to the plate while others — yes, David Benavidez, I'm talking about you — continue to run and hide."
"This is a massive fight for Jai, and it's refreshing to see a top-tier cruiserweight step forward when so many continue to avoid the challenge," said Mick Francis, Opetaia's longtime manager. "He's proud to defend the Zuffa Boxing and Ring ***** les on the biggest stage."
"When I step into the ring on September 12 against Jai Opetaia in Las Vegas, I intend to defend my world championship. This is the fight I've wanted since becoming a two-time world champion, and I'm ready to deliver," Mikaelian said. "I haven't fought since December 2025 because of circumstances outside of my control. I refused to stay inactive. Champions are meant to defend their ***** les, and that's exactly what I'm prepared to do."
It's certainly a better matchup than the Glanton fight that kicked off this whole debacle in the first place. but I personally would not put any stake in this happening. Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KO) is under contract with Don King, who remains as vexatiously litigant as ever and has a long history of quashing any attempt by his fighters to compete outside of his purview. Dan Rafael reports that King, who'd reached a deal with Benavidez promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, will follow his usual M.O. and "likely" file suit.
#opetaia
3 months ago
Boxer Jai Opetaia has started legal action in the United States to force the IBF to hand back the cruiserweight world ****** le.
The Australian claims the sanctioning body acted unlawfully when it stripped him of his belt following his first fight with promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing.
Opetaia filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Nevada seeking to have his ****** le reinstated, recover damages and legal costs, and prevent the IBF from naming another cruiserweight champion while the litigation continues.
The IBF declined to comment, with a spokesperson telling BBC Sport: "We will release a statement when it is appropriate."
The 19-page complaint - obtained by BBC Sport - claims rival governing bodies have discouraged champions from facing him, citing David Benavidez's decision not to pursue a fight after Opetaia was stripped and alleging the WBC threatened to strip Noel Mikaelian if he agreed to face the Australian instead.
#opetaia #district #sport #stripped
The Australian claims the sanctioning body acted unlawfully when it stripped him of his belt following his first fight with promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing.
Opetaia filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Nevada seeking to have his ****** le reinstated, recover damages and legal costs, and prevent the IBF from naming another cruiserweight champion while the litigation continues.
The IBF declined to comment, with a spokesperson telling BBC Sport: "We will release a statement when it is appropriate."
The 19-page complaint - obtained by BBC Sport - claims rival governing bodies have discouraged champions from facing him, citing David Benavidez's decision not to pursue a fight after Opetaia was stripped and alleging the WBC threatened to strip Noel Mikaelian if he agreed to face the Australian instead.
#opetaia #district #sport #stripped
3 months ago
Canelo Alvarez has suggested he will never box David Benavidez, saying “it’s not fair” that the Mexican-American fights in the weight classes he occupies.
Fans have long desired a showdown between Mexico’s Canelo, a former four-weight world champion, and Benavidez, a three-weight world champion, with many accusing Canelo of “ducking” the 29-year-old.
Canelo has held ***** les at super-welterweight, middleweight, super-middleweight, and even light-heavyweight, while Benavidez has held gold at super-middleweight, light-heavyweight and cruiserweight.
Benavidez was even the WBC mandatory challenger to Canelo at super-middleweight for more than two years, without obtaining a fight with the 36-year-old. Benavidez thus moved up to light-heavyweight and, most recently, cruiserweight, where he took the WBA and WBO belts from Gilberto Ramirez with a stoppage win in May.
But Canelo has said he does not care about suggestions that he has avoided Benavidez, telling journalist Ariel Helwani: “I’m not worried because I did everything. I did everything in boxing. I accomplished everything in boxing, and I have nothing to prove, but yes, I will miss boxing a lot [when I retire].
#super #middleweight #light #everything
Fans have long desired a showdown between Mexico’s Canelo, a former four-weight world champion, and Benavidez, a three-weight world champion, with many accusing Canelo of “ducking” the 29-year-old.
Canelo has held ***** les at super-welterweight, middleweight, super-middleweight, and even light-heavyweight, while Benavidez has held gold at super-middleweight, light-heavyweight and cruiserweight.
Benavidez was even the WBC mandatory challenger to Canelo at super-middleweight for more than two years, without obtaining a fight with the 36-year-old. Benavidez thus moved up to light-heavyweight and, most recently, cruiserweight, where he took the WBA and WBO belts from Gilberto Ramirez with a stoppage win in May.
But Canelo has said he does not care about suggestions that he has avoided Benavidez, telling journalist Ariel Helwani: “I’m not worried because I did everything. I did everything in boxing. I accomplished everything in boxing, and I have nothing to prove, but yes, I will miss boxing a lot [when I retire].
#super #middleweight #light #everything
3 months ago
Canelo vs. “The Mexican Monster” is never happening.
Former WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez returns to action later this year for the first time since losing all of his ***** les to Terence Crawford.
Alvarez will face Christian Mbilli for the WBC Super Middleweight ***** le on Oct. 31, 2026 — not Sept. 12 — in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
But while in New York doing press for his upcoming boxing match, Alvarez was once again asked about the one fight that just will not go away:
David Benavidez.
#middleweight #monster #former #terence
Former WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez returns to action later this year for the first time since losing all of his ***** les to Terence Crawford.
Alvarez will face Christian Mbilli for the WBC Super Middleweight ***** le on Oct. 31, 2026 — not Sept. 12 — in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
But while in New York doing press for his upcoming boxing match, Alvarez was once again asked about the one fight that just will not go away:
David Benavidez.
#middleweight #monster #former #terence
4 months ago
Murtazali Magomedov had help from a UFC veteran for his spectacular debut on Saturday.
Magomedov (11-0) made his promotional debut against Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-4) at UFC Fight Night 279 on Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas. While Baghdasaryan landed some powerful strikes early, Magomedov took him down quickly and started looking for a rear-naked choke. As Baghdasaryan tried to turn into Magomedov, the Kyrgyz prospect locked in a modified twister to secure a submission win at 1:17 of the opening round. Magomedov scored the fourth twister submission in UFC history in his debut in the promotion.
Magomedov subsequently said that he had been specifically training the twister in the gym for a long time. The undefeated featherweight prospect further revealed that he learned the move from former UFC flyweight, Askar Askarov.
“I work this technique long time,” Magomedov said. “My brother, Askar Askarov teach me this technique.”
While Magomedov claims he’s not one to talk a lot, “The Highlight” believes the UFC featherweight division needs revival.
“I want activity… I honestly don’t talk too much,” Magomedov said. “But the featherweight division is almost dying. Let’s bring it back to life and make it great again.”
Askarov (15-1) look immensely promising in his short-lived UFC career. “Bullet” fought Brandon Moreno to a draw and defeated Tim Elliott, Alexandre Pantoja and Joseph Benavidez before suffering his lone professional loss against Kai Kara-France in 2022. While, Askarov was scheduled to fight Brandon Royval later that year, he pulled out due to weight management issues. Askarov subsequently asked for and was granted his release from the UFC. Askarov has since competed only once more in 2023, picking up a win on the regional circuit.
Magomedov (11-0) made his promotional debut against Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-4) at UFC Fight Night 279 on Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas. While Baghdasaryan landed some powerful strikes early, Magomedov took him down quickly and started looking for a rear-naked choke. As Baghdasaryan tried to turn into Magomedov, the Kyrgyz prospect locked in a modified twister to secure a submission win at 1:17 of the opening round. Magomedov scored the fourth twister submission in UFC history in his debut in the promotion.
Magomedov subsequently said that he had been specifically training the twister in the gym for a long time. The undefeated featherweight prospect further revealed that he learned the move from former UFC flyweight, Askar Askarov.
“I work this technique long time,” Magomedov said. “My brother, Askar Askarov teach me this technique.”
While Magomedov claims he’s not one to talk a lot, “The Highlight” believes the UFC featherweight division needs revival.
“I want activity… I honestly don’t talk too much,” Magomedov said. “But the featherweight division is almost dying. Let’s bring it back to life and make it great again.”
Askarov (15-1) look immensely promising in his short-lived UFC career. “Bullet” fought Brandon Moreno to a draw and defeated Tim Elliott, Alexandre Pantoja and Joseph Benavidez before suffering his lone professional loss against Kai Kara-France in 2022. While, Askarov was scheduled to fight Brandon Royval later that year, he pulled out due to weight management issues. Askarov subsequently asked for and was granted his release from the UFC. Askarov has since competed only once more in 2023, picking up a win on the regional circuit.
6 months ago
Boxing: How to watch David Benavidez vs. ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez
WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez 31-0 (25 KOs) will attempt to win a world **** le in a third weight class when he toes the line with WBO and WBA cruiserweight king Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez 48-1-0 (30 KOs) on Saturday in Las Vegas. A brief rundown for those who want to watch the show:
The broadcast of Benavidez vs. Ramirez will air live in the United States on Amazon Prime PPV and Dazn PPV for $79.99. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the main event tentatively scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. You can catch it here: on Prime or Dazn
The broadcast of Benavidez vs. Ramirez will air live in the United Kingdom on Dazn PPV. Coverage begins at 10 p.m. BST, with the main event tentatively scheduled for 4:30 a.m. BST. You can catch it here: Fury vs. Makhmudov on Netflix
A look at the complete Benavidez vs. Ramirez card as of April 30, 2026:
WBA and WBO Cruiserweight **** le: David Benavidez vs. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez
WBA Super-Middleweight **** le: Jose Resendiz vs. Jaime Munguia
Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Barrera
Isaac Lucero vs. Alan Gutierrez
Jorge Chavez vs. **** o Sanchez
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez 31-0 (25 KOs) will attempt to win a world **** le in a third weight class when he toes the line with WBO and WBA cruiserweight king Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez 48-1-0 (30 KOs) on Saturday in Las Vegas. A brief rundown for those who want to watch the show:
The broadcast of Benavidez vs. Ramirez will air live in the United States on Amazon Prime PPV and Dazn PPV for $79.99. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the main event tentatively scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. You can catch it here: on Prime or Dazn
The broadcast of Benavidez vs. Ramirez will air live in the United Kingdom on Dazn PPV. Coverage begins at 10 p.m. BST, with the main event tentatively scheduled for 4:30 a.m. BST. You can catch it here: Fury vs. Makhmudov on Netflix
A look at the complete Benavidez vs. Ramirez card as of April 30, 2026:
WBA and WBO Cruiserweight **** le: David Benavidez vs. Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez
WBA Super-Middleweight **** le: Jose Resendiz vs. Jaime Munguia
Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Barrera
Isaac Lucero vs. Alan Gutierrez
Jorge Chavez vs. **** o Sanchez
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
