David Benavidez has a surprising take on Jai Opetaia ahead of their expected showdown
The undefeated champion offered an unexpected assessment of Opetaia after watching his latest performance.
Jai Opetaia strengthened his reputation as one of boxing’s elite cruiserweights with his latest victory, but David Benavidez was not convinced by everything he saw.
Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in the ninth round on the Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn undercard in Las Vegas on Saturday. Benavidez watched the bout from ringside before the two undefeated fighters later shared the ring.
However, before that faceoff, Benavidez had already made his opinion on Opetaia clear.
David Benavidez isn’t Impressed with Jai Opetaia
Speaking on Nina Drama’s Kick stream shortly before the post-fight exchange, Benavidez was asked about Opetaia’s performance against Mikaelian.
His response was blunt.
“I’m not impressed at all. I thought Jai Opetaia was better. He’s the boogeyman. He’s a great fighter, but he’s not on my level.”
David Benavidez was NOT impressed after seeing Jai Opetaia FIGHT in Person6o 😭 pic.twitter.com/8r6XiOkd87
— Wedoclipps (@wedoclipss) September 14, 2026
The comments came after Opetaia produced the first stoppage of Mikaelian’s career. The Australian gradually took control before forcing the referee to halt the contest in the ninth round. The victory moved Opetaia to 31-0 with 24 knockouts.
Benavidez’s assessment is notable because Opetaia’s latest performance was expected to strengthen his standing at the top of the cruiserweight division. Instead, Benavidez suggested there was still a sizeable gap between what Opetaia has accomplished and what he believes he can do against him.
David Benavidez Welcomes the Challenge
Benavidez’s criticism did not stop him from embracing the possibility of facing Opetaia.
After the fight, Opetaia invited Benavidez into the ring and expressed interest in making the matchup happen. Benavidez proposed Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027, with Opetaia immediately agreeing.
Benavidez then struck a more respectful tone during their faceoff.
“Respect, he’s a strong fighter but there can only be one monster. He likes war and I’m the exact same way so it will be one hell of a fight.”
That contrast gives the potential matchup an intriguing early storyline. Benavidez clearly respects Opetaia’s ability, but he does not believe the Australian is on his level.
If the expected showdown materializes, Benavidez will have the chance to prove that assessment inside the ring.
