Boxing

Jai Opetaia became the first man to stop Noel Mikaelian as he claimed a ninth-round knockout victory over the WBC cruiserweight champion, setting up a potential blockbuster showdown with David Benavidez.

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A savage combination, which began as they pair tangled at close range, did the job, with Mikaelian requiring the assistance of the ropes to prevent him from hitting the canvas.

Referee Harvey Dock spared the two-time world champion any further punishment, seeing Opetaia record his 24th knockout victory and improve to 31-0.

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Immediately following the fight, Benavidez got in the ring to face off with Opetaia, with the pair agreeing to a bout over Cinco de Mayo weekend next May.

«That’s why I respect this man so much,» Benavidez said.

«He’s the boogeyman of the division but I’m the person they call when it’s time to kill the boogeyman.»

Opetaia welcomed the challenge.

«He’s said it now, no taking it back. Let’s go,» the Australian responded.

While the finish was emphatic, Opetaia didn’t have it all his own way against the crafty Armenian, eating a big right hand in the seventh round which briefly wobbled him.

«Noel, tough as nails,» Opetaia said.

«He clipped me, but I’m still here, I’m still undefeated.»

In the main event, Ryan Garcia made the lightest of work of Conor Benn to retain his WBC welterweight world title, stopping the Englishman in the second round of an eye-catching performance.

Here’s how it all went down at the T-Mobile Arena:

Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian updates, highlights and result

Jai Opetaia by KO in the ninth round. The Australia becomes the first man to stop Mikaelian following a savage combination in the ninth. Mikaelian was held up by the ropes and referee Harvey Dock deemed him not fit to continue.

7:43 p.m.: Mikaelian lands the biggest shot of the fight in the seventh, a right hand which wobbles Opetaia but the southpaw is able to hang on and take back some control. The shot may have woke Opetaia up.

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7:38 p.m.: Halfway through the distance and Opetaia is shading the rounds but Mikaelian having some moments of success, though it does feel like a big shot may be coming for the Aussie.

7:26 p.m.: Three rounds in the books and it’s a close one so far. Mikaelian attempting to counter punch, while Opetaia the busier fighter.

7:10 p.m.: Opetaia makes his way to the ring, not sure what song he walked to.

7:08 p.m.: Mikaelian makes his ring walk, accompanied by Faithless’ ‘Insomnia’.

6:55 p.m.: Opetaia and Mikaelian are due to the ring next. Stay tuned for updates and follow along with our unofficial scorecard.

Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn fight card and results

• Ryan Garcia (c) vs. Conor Benn for the WBC welterweight title
• Jai Opetaia (c) def. Noel Mikaelian via TKO9 (c) for the WBC, The Ring and Zuffa cruiserweight titles
• Da’Mazion Vanhouter def. Raphael Akpejiori via KO1; Heavyweights
• Andres Cortes def. Mark Magsayo via UD10 (97-93 x3); Lightweights
• Oswaldo Molina def. Pablo Rubio via UD6 (59-55 x2, 60-54); Super Featherweights
• Abel Gonzalez def. Raul Salomon via UD8 (77-74 x3); Super Middleweights
• Vlad Panin def. Dakota Linger via TKO4; Super Welterweights
• Alexis Rocha def. Jose  Ramirez via UD10 (98-91 x2, 97-92); Welterweights 
• Sean Garcia vs. Abraham Morales def via MD6 (58-54 x2, 56-56); Lightweights

Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian start time in Australia

• Date: Sunday, September 13 (AEST)
• Main card start time: 10:00am (AEST)
• Opetaia vs. Mikaelian start time (approx): 12:00pm (AEST)
• Main event start time (approx.): 1:30pm (AEST)
• Location: T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas

Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn is on Sunday, September 13 (AEST) in Las Vegas. The main card starts at 10:00am (AEST) and the main event should begin around 1:30pm (AEST) depending on how long the undercard fights last.

Opetaia vs. Mikaelian will begin approximately one hour before main event between Garcia and Benn commences.

Where to watch Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian in Australia

• Live Stream: Paramount+

You can watch Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian live on Paramount+, with both the prelims and main card available to stream in one place. The best part: Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian does not require a pay-per-view purchase — you just need an active Paramount+ subscription.

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Paramount+ Australia plans

• Paramount+ Basic with Ads (ad-supported): $7.99/month or $70.99/year (1080p HD, 1 device)
• Paramount+ Standard (ad-free): $12.99/month or $115.99/year (1080p HD, 2 devices)
• Paramount+ Premium (ad-free): $17.99/month or $159.99/year (4K UHD/HDR, 4 devices)

Beyond boxing, Paramount+ includes a wide mix of live sports and programming, plus thousands of on-demand movies and shows, so you can stream events and entertainment on your phone, TV, or laptop.

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