Aussie superstar lifts lid on ‘never-ending’ legal dramas

Aussie boxing star Jai Opetaia has sent a clear message to David Benavidez, as the undefeated world champion prepares for another huge fight – all while juggling ongoing legal battles that are “adding fuel to the fire”.

Opetaia has cemented himself as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers on the planet, tearing through the cruiserweight division and leaving a pile of bodies in his wake with 23 knockouts from his perfect 30-0 professional record.

The 31-year-old has captured both The Ring and IBF belts at cruiserweight during his rise to the top, continuing to mount his case for undisputed status.

Earlier this year, Opetaia signed with Zuffa Boxing – the promotion run by UFC supremo Dana White – and is set to face WBC champ Noel Mikaelian on a huge Las Vegas card next month, headlined by Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn.

The showdown with Mikaelian is another huge test for Opetaia and while he will have the eyes of the boxing world on him at T-Mobile Arena, the tough Central Coast product heads in as the overwhelming favourite with bookmakers.

Given most are expecting Opetaia to emerge victorious, the name that continues to be linked with him is American superstar Benavidez, who holds both the WBO and WBA championships and is seen as one of the world’s best.

The back-and-forth between the two camps has been ongoing for some time, with Opetaia claiming Benavidez had “run and hide” from the bout.

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Over the weekend, Benavidez’s father took to social media to reveal his Instagram messages with Turki Alalshikh, the cashed-up co-founder of Zuffa, about getting the fight with Opetaia secured for May 2027 on the Cinco de Mayo holiday.

Speaking to nine.com.au this week, Opetaia said his stance hasn’t changed.

“Man, I am ready for that fight and I’ve been ready for a long time – whenever they’re ready, just let me know,” a defiant Opetaia said.

Benavidez Sr. has since doubled down about his hopes of getting the Opetaia fight secured, assuming both stars get through their upcoming bouts unscathed.

“I told him [Alalshikh] that’s the fight I want most ... if Opetaia wants to fight David, let’s get right to that. We can do it on Cinco de Mayo,” he told BoxingScene.

The constant speculation about a potential blockbuster with Benavidez is only the tip of the iceberg of what Opetaia has had to contend with outside the ring.

After putting pen to paper with Zuffa and stepping foot into their ring for the first time, Opetaia had his IBF title stripped due to claims his clash with Brandon Glanton wasn’t sanctioned by the governing body.

As a result, Opetaia and his team have filed legal proceedings against the IBF.

Despite the external noise and dramas – plenty of which is out of his control – Opetaia continues to shrug it off and stay focused.

“It’s never-ending on our side,” he said.

“Court cases and getting stripped, I’ve had promoters f---ing rip me off. There’s a lot that happens that you don’t see as well, you only see parts of it.

“I’m telling you, it’s another day in the office for me. It’s all adding fuel to the fire. We just keep pushing forward and aiming for our goals and training hard and winning fights, the rest will take care of itself.”

Opetaia will square off with Mikaelian on Sunday, September 13 (AEST).