Boxing
Benavidez set to snub Opetaia for cruiserweight unification chance
Garner vs. Magnesi on DAZN subscription - Saturday
David Benavidez is set to pursue cruiserweight unification with against Noel Mikaelian, snubbing Jai Opetaia's hopes for a bout.
The former sent shockwaves through the division after he turned over Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on his weight debut last month.
With the WBA and WBO crowns secured, Benavidez now appears poised to pursue WBC champion Mikaelian in his next fight.
It comes after the latter was reportedly linked to Zuffa tearaway Opetaia, with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz scotching any clash.
Sparks fly as Zayas and Ennis meet
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"We want titles. We want the legacy for Benavidez,” he told Boxing Scene. “Opetaia has nothing besides making a good fight.”
Such discussions come as a blow to Opetaia, who was stripped of his IBF crown after contesting for Zuffa's own in-house strap.
The Australian is in the sights of fellow promotional stablemate Chris Billam-Smith, though he has reiterated his desire for belts.
It appears unlikely that he will get his wish soon though, with Benavidez keen to contest for the biggest prizes that he can nab.
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Xander Zayas defends his WBO and WBA super welterweight titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on Saturday, June 27, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
