A BoxingScene report says Benavidez remained focused on securing a fight with Alvarez as Opetaia moved toward a cruiserweight title clash with Noel Mikaelian
David Benavidez reportedly declined a proposed fight with Jai Opetaia as he continues pursuing a long-discussed showdown with Canelo Alvarez. According to a BoxingScene report, Benavidez’s decision helped redirect negotiations and moved Opetaia closer to a cruiserweight title fight against Noel Mikaelian.
An official briefed on the negotiations told BoxingScene that Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh had been pushing for a Benavidez-Opetaia fight before talks shifted in another direction.
The report states that Benavidez, who recently captured unified cruiserweight titles with his stoppage victory over Gilberto Ramirez, was intent on pursuing a fight against Alvarez. That decision reportedly removed him from consideration for the Opetaia bout and opened the door for Mikaelian to enter negotiations.
The timing is notable because Opetaia has long been viewed as one of the most avoided fighters in the cruiserweight division. The unbeaten Australian entered the year as IBF champion before leaving the title behind to make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Brandon Glanton.
Lance Pugmire also reported that Premier Boxing Champions was working on a separate plan involving Mikaelian, with discussions centered on a three-fight agreement that would have started with a Benavidez unification fight. Instead, Mikaelian appears headed toward a bout with Opetaia on a future Ring Magazine card backed by Alalshikh.
For Benavidez, the report leaves the focus on Alvarez. Canelo is already scheduled to face Christian Mbilli on September 12, and there is still no agreement in place for a long-awaited fight with Benavidez.
If Lance Pugmire’s report is accurate, Benavidez chose to continue pursuing Alvarez rather than face Opetaia. Whether that gamble produces the fight he wants remains to be seen.
Robert Segal is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24 with more than a decade of experience covering fight news, previews, and analysis. Known for his straightforward reporting and ringside perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, contenders, and emerging talent worldwide.
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Categories Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, Jai Opetaia
Boxing News 24 » Canelo Alvarez » David Benavidez Passes On Jai Opetaia Fight To Pursue Canelo Alvarez
Last Updated on 2026/05/30 at 4:38 AM