{
  "id": 7173504,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T20:48:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "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 secured a knockout victory over Noel Mikaelian in their cruiserweight boxing match in Las Vegas, after Mikaelian's defeat in front of American star David Benavidez. The two-boxers, who are both highly regarded in the sport, have agreed to face off in a highly anticipated bout in May next year. Opetaia and Benavidez have taken the responsibility of matchmaking into their own hands following Mikaelian's knockout defeat. Benavidez, who was in attendance for the fight, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential rematch, stating that it would be an incredible fight for the fans. Opetaia, who had his IBF title stripped when he joined Zuffa Boxing, invited Benavidez to the ring and expressed respect for the WBA and WBO champion. Benavidez, who was set to defend his belts in December, was eager to clear up any speculation about his interest in fighting Opetaia. The two-boxers, who are considered the two best in the world at their weight class, are expected to deliver a thrilling contest, regardless of the outcome of the IBF's attempt to reclaim Mikaelian's belt.",
  "summary": "Jai Opetaia has defeated Noel Mikaelian in a cruiserweight boxing bout in Las Vegas. The Australian boxer improved to 31-0, stopping Mikaelian for the first time in his 32-fight career. According to ABC News AU, Opetaia picked apart the WBC champion before landing a short right hook in the ninth round that stunned Mikaelian.\n\nOpetaia then followed up with three more punches to send Mikaelian onto the ropes and trigger a standing count he had no chance of beating. This was Mikaelian's first stoppage loss, having previously had three tight losses and 28 wins.\n\nAfter the fight, Opetaia called American star David Benavidez, who was ringside, onto the canvas and the two agreed to fight on May 5 next year in Las Vegas. Benavidez, a two-belt cruiserweight champion who has won world titles in two other divisions, had been in attendance for the fight.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "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",
        "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."
}