{
  "id": 7172978,
  "title": "Opetaia's KO fuels duel between 'two baddest dudes'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/opetaias-ko-fuels-duel-between-two-baddest-dudes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T20:48:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-14/jai-opetaia-defeats-noel-mikaelian-in-las-vegas/107148664"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jai Opetaia has knocked out Noel Mikaelian in their cruiserweight boxing match held in Las Vegas. American heavyweight David Benavidez watched the bout and has agreed to fight Opetaia in a major clash scheduled for May 5 next year in Las Vegas. The two fighters have taken control of their own matchmaking after Mikaelian stopped the German-Armenian's 32-fight career for the first time, winning the fight in the ninth round. Opetaia's victory has been marked by his improved record to 31-0 and his signature right hook. The Australian expressed excitement about the prospect of battling Benavidez in the highly anticipated fight later next year. American heavyweight Benavidez, who was present in the arena, also confirmed his willingness to face Opetaia on May 5. Both fighters have made it clear they are the two top contenders in the weight class, and boxing enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of the highly anticipated showdown.",
  "summary": "Jai Opetaia and David Benavidez have taken the matchmaking into their own hands after the Australian stopped Noel Mikaelian for the first time in the German-Armenian's 32-fight career to pave the way for the Las Vegas blockbuster.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jai Opetaia knocks out Noel Mikaelian in ninth round",
    "David Benavidez agrees to fight Opetaia on May 5",
    "Both fighters vie for top cruiserweight contender status"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Opetaia's KO fuels duel between 'two baddest dudes'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/opetaias-ko-fuels-duel-between-two-baddest-dudes-7173504",
        "published": "2026-09-13T20:48:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}