2 hrs ago
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Two world champions in a week! Ring and Zuffa cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia joins the Mr. Verzace podcast after an impressive title defense.
Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs) became the first man to stop two-time WBC titleholder Noel Mikaelian with a ninth-round finish preceding Ryan Garcia's vicious win over Conor Benn at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on September 12.
The long-reigning Ring beltholder, 31, has long been linked with a matchup against three-division champion David Benavidez and the pair exchanged pleasantries in the ring after the Aussie's impressive win this month.
He didn't have it all his own way, something "El Monstruo" stressed when previewing a potential showdown, expected for sometime in 2027 should he beat elevated WBC titlist Michal Cieslak as planned in December.
Opetaia answered a series of burning questions posed in conversation with The Ring's Rick Reeno, as the clamor to see the world's two best cruiserweights collide increases. Among them include:
- Did the Noel Mikaelian fight go as he expected?
- Previewing a potential David Benavidez matchup
- Assessing the landscape in an ever-changing heavyweight division
- Was he surprised at how Garcia-Benn played out?
- Mapping out the next 12 months, in an ideal world
Their full sit-down interview is now available to watch and stream across all platforms. Scroll down below and enjoy the episode! 🥊💥
Jai Opetaia URGES David Benavidez To Sign The Contract | Mr. Verzace Podcast | EP.38
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