David Benavidez delivers honest verdict on Jai Opetaia’s ability after watching Mikaelian KO

David Benavidez was ringside to witness Jai Opetaia’s latest knockout win as a fight between the pair of cruiserweight world champions becomes more appealing.

Opetaia became the first man to stop Noel Mikaelian this weekend in Las Vegas, earning a stoppage in the ninth round after grinding the Armenian down.

Benavidez beat Gilberto Ramirez back in May to win the WBA and WBO belts in his cruiserweight debut, joining Opetaia as the best in the division. The match-up has gathered steam ever since, and the Mexican-American star stepped into the ring post fight at the T-Mobile Arena to challenge Opetaia.

The pair verbally agreed to a fight on Cinco De Mayo weekend next year, with Benavidez likely to return in December of this year to prepare.

Benavidez: “Let’s do it right here next year for Cinco De Mayo.”

Opetaia: “Done. It’s done”

Benavidez: “Respect, he’s a strong fighter but there can only be one monster. He likes war and I’m the exact same way so it will be one hell of a fight.”

Speaking on Nina Drama’s Kick stream minutes prior, Benavidez assessed the action more candidly and was unimpressed by Opetaia’s showing.

“I’m not impressed at all. I thought Jai Opetaia was better. He’s [not] the boogeyman. He’s a great fighter, but he’s not on my level.”

Despite Mikaelian entering the ring as WBC champion, legal issues and mandatory orders mean that it appears Opetaia has not walked out as the new beltholder. He holds the Ring Magazine and Zuffa Boxing belts, having previously been stripped of his IBF belt due to issues with his first fight under the Zuffa banner.