Aussie cruiserweight Jai Opetaia scored a brutal ninth-round KO victory over Armenian Norair Mikaeljian in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEST).
The unbeaten Sydney-born star, 31, was the chief support to Ryan Garcia’s win over Conor Benn at the T-Mobile Arena.
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And he produced a statement performance, winning almost every round before landing a huge left hook that staggered Mikaeljian against the ropes.
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The referee gave a standing count, before he waved off the fight as Opetaia celebrated a 31st consecutive professional victory.
Following his win, he called American David Benavidez into the ring — with the pair agreeing to a fight in May next year.
Following Opetaia’s stoppage, Garcia made light work of British challenger Benn to defend his WBC welterweight crown.
An explosive start resulted in Garcia landing a huge straight right to drop Benn in the second.
The Brit, who is the son of legendary fighter Nigel Benn, got back to his feet but was met by a barrage of punches on the ropes as the referee stepped in to end the contest.
Like Opetaia, Garcia used his post-fight interview to call out his next opponent.
He wanted Teofimo Lopez to get in the ring with him, but Lopez was blocked by security.
That appears to be the next showpiece welterweight fight as Garcia re-establishes himself as the major draw in the division.
Check out how the fight card unfolded via the blog below