Australian boxing world champion Jai Opetaia has lashed out at a rival for 'running and hiding' after confirming he will fight Noel Mikaelian in September.
Opetaia's fight with two-time WBC cruiserweight world champion Mikaelian in Las Vegas on September 13 (AEST) will serve as the co-feature to the welterweight super fight between reigning champion Ryan Garcia and British star Conor Benn.
Mikaelian (28-3, 12KOs) hasn't fought since December last year due to a promotional gridlock, but he represents a huge challenge for Opetaia (30-0, 23KOs).
Cruiserweight Opetaia ranks among the sport’s pound-for-pound best, and he will make the eighth defence of the Ring title he captured in July 2022.
After three stoppage victories in 2025, Opetaia became Zuffa Boxing's inaugural champion in March with a one-sided decision victory over Brandon Glanton.
That bout cost Opetaia his IBF belt, given the IBF didn't sanction the Zuffa Boxing fight, which falls under the banner of a new Saudi-backed breakaway league.
Opetaia has been calling out David Benavidez (32-0) for a clash, but his rival is yet to come to the party.
The Australian made sure to take a pot shot at Benavidez when announcing his upcoming Las Vegas blockbuster against Mikaelian.
"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 in a statement.
"Credit to Noel for stepping up to the plate while others - yes, David Benavidez, I’m talking about you - continue to run and hide.”
Opetaia's long-time manager Mick Francis also took a swipe.
"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,” Francis said.
Mikaelian is backing himself to topple the Australian.
“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 titles, and that’s exactly what I’m prepared to do.”
