Jai Opetaia is set to return on September 12 as part of the undercard for Ryan Garcia’s WBC welterweight title defense against Conor Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The undefeated cruiserweight champion’s opponent has not yet been finalized. Boxing journalist Sam Gordon reported the development, placing Opetaia on one of the year’s biggest boxing events during Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) has become one of the sport’s most dominant champions, but he has often fought without the exposure enjoyed by stars in the heavier and lighter weight classes. Fighting beneath Garcia and Benn gives the Australian a chance to perform in front of a much larger audience.
The identity of his opponent remains the biggest question. Chris Billam-Smith and Noel Mikaelian have both been discussed in recent months as possible opponents, although neither matchup has been confirmed.
A fight with Mikaelian would carry extra significance after negotiations between the two sides stretched on for months. Billam-Smith would also represent a recognizable name and another opportunity for Opetaia to strengthen his position as the division’s leading fighter.
The Sept. 12 show is expected to be one of Zuffa Boxing’s showcase events, with Garcia making the first defense of his WBC welterweight title against Benn in the main event. The card will stream on DAZN and Paramount+.
The fight offers Opetaia another opportunity to build momentum while waiting for a marquee unification fight. Once an opponent is announced, attention will shift to whether the Australian champion can deliver another statement performance on one of boxing’s biggest stages.
Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia is slated to fight on the undercard of Ryan Garcia’s WBC welterweight title defense against Conor Benn at T-Mobile Arena, per source. Opponent not yet finalized for the undefeated 200-pounder.
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) July 15, 2026
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Last Updated on 2026/07/15 at 8:42 PM
