Former cruiserweight boxing world champion Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian are pitted against each other in the co-main of the boxing event inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Because of his perfect pro record with a 77% finish rate, Opetaia enters the match as the heavy betting favorite with -1250 boxing odds. Meanwhile, Mikaelian is going to be the overwhelming betting underdog with +700 odds. A draw has odds of +2000.
Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian Fight Odds
- Jai Opetaia: -1250
- Noel Mikaelian: +700
- Tie: +2000
Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian: Tale of the Tape
| Jai Opetaia | Noel Mikaelian | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 | 35 |
| Height | 6’2” | 6’3½” |
| Reach | 76 inches | 75 inches |
| Record | 30-0 | 28-3 |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| TKO/KO Percentage | 77% | 43% |
Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian: Prediction
My prediction is a TKO/KO victory for Opetaia over Mikaelian because he’s the faster and more powerful puncher. I know Mikaelian is a very durable fighter who hasn’t been stopped in his pro career, but Opetaia has all the tools to score a stoppage victory.
Mikaelian has struggled against faster opponents like Opetaia, as seen in his two bouts with Badou Jack. The only difference between Jack and Opetaia is the latter is a bigger and more accurate version of the former.
At 35, Mikaelian’s durability and iron chin are now in question because he’s past his prime. Mikaelian’s only path to victory is to counter and make Opetaia miss, but that would be close to impossible since Opetaia is the quicker fighter.
Jai Opetaia’s Recent Fight Results
Opetaia is a former IBF cruiserweight champion who made his pro debut in 2015. His last five victories were against Jack Massey, David Nyika, Claudio Squeo, Huseyin Cinkara, and most recently, against Brandon Glanton.
Noel Mikaelian’s Recent Fight Results
Mikaelian is a former WBC cruiserweight titleholder. He recorded four wins (Jesse Bryan, Youri Kayembre Kalenga, Ilunga Junior Makabu, and Badou Jack) and one loss (Jack in their first meeting) in his last five bouts.
Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian: Start Time
Sept. 12, 10 p.m. E.T.
Sept. 12, 9 p.m. C.T.
Sept. 12, 8 p.m. M.T.
Sept. 12, 7 p.m. P.T.
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