Cruiserweight · Before the fight · First reported: 8 Sept, 22:10 · BoxingScene
Noel Mikaelian-Jai Opetaia: Don King challenges bout, WBC does not sanction title
Promoter Don King sent a cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa Boxing to block the bout between WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian and former IBF champion Jai Opetaia. The WBC announced the fight will not be sanctioned as a title bout. Zuffa confirmed the match will proceed regardless. Sources diverge on what title is at stake: some report the WBA sanctioned it for the vacant Regular title.
US press emphasizes Don King's legal actions and Zuffa's response, while independent sources highlight uncertainty over titles at stake and WBA sanction.
How it ended Jai Opetaia defeats Noel Mikaelian by technical knockout in Las VegasNeutral summary generated from the sources below. No article is reproduced: headline, one line and link.
Every angle · affiliations are declared on the Sources page
US press · polemical
2 sources
Don King issues cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa over Noel Mikaelian-Jai Opetaia fight
BoxingScene · US · polemical · first reported
Strip session: Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelian can't find sense in losing their titles
BoxingScene · US · critical
Don King says WBC won't sanction Noel Mikaelian-Jai Opetaia bout
BoxingScene · US · polemical
Don King files cease and desist to block Opetaia vs Mikaelian
Bad Left Hook · US · polemical
+1 more sources
Independent · polemical
3 sources
Uncertain if Jai Opetaia will fight in Las Vegas. Don King holds everyone hostage
BoxeRingWeb · IT · polemical
original: Non è ancora certo se Jai Opetaia combatterà a Las Vegas. Don King tiene tutti in scacco
WBC champion Mikaelian confident tomorrow's showdown with Opetaia will go ahead as scheduled
BoxeRingWeb · IT · polemical
original: Il campione Wbc Mikaelian è certo che la sfida di domani con Opetaia si svolgerà regolarmente !
At Las Vegas Opetaia Heavily Favored Over Mikaelian in a Bout Without the WBC on the Line
BoxeRingWeb · IT
original: A Las Vegas Opetaia nettamente favorito su Mikaelian in un duello senza il Wbc in palio
Sensational. Opetaia vs Mikalejan valid for WBA cruiserweight "Regular" world title
BoxeRingWeb · IT · polemical
original: Clamoroso. Opetaia vs Mikalejan valido per il mondiale “Regolare” dei cruiser WBA
+4 more sources
Who is not covering it
BBC Sport, ESPN Boxing, Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Sport, The Ring, Boxing News, The Guardian, Sky Sports Boxing. Outlets expected by weight and country that have not written about it.
Who reported it first
8 Sept · 22:10
BoxingScene: Don King issues cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa over Noel Mikaelian-Jai Opetaia fight
8 Sept · 22:37
Bad Left Hook: Don King files cease and desist to block Opetaia vs Mikaelian
9 Sept · 12:28
World Boxing News: Don King Demands Zuffa Cancel Fight, Dana White Refuses
9 Sept · 15:47
Bad Left Hook: Zuffa intend to follow through with Jai Opetaia vs Noel Mikaelian despite cease and desist
9 Sept · 18:40
World Boxing News: Dana White Brands Boxing 'Most Unsophisticated' Sport Ever
10 Sept · 05:20
BoxeRingWeb: Uncertain if Jai Opetaia will fight in Las Vegas. Don King holds everyone hostage
10 Sept · 13:53
BoxingScene: Strip session: Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelian can't find sense in losing their titles
11 Sept · 07:50
vRINGe: Opetaia will fight for WBC title in any case — promoter