Opetaia lauded as Rozicki slams Mikaelian amid cruiserweight rivalry

Jai Opetaia is the succssor to Oleksandr Usyk for Ryan Rozicki but Noel Mikaelian is "cowardly" amid glory days for the cruiserweight division.

The Canadian star spent 2025 on the sidelines as he recovered from an arm injury, scuppering plans to challenge for the WBC crown.

Rozicki had been due to face Badou Jack, but was forced to withdraw, with the latter dethroned by Mikaelian in a December rematch.

Now, as he returns against Gerardo Mellado in Nova Scotia this weekend, the star has lauded Opetaia as the man to succeed Usyk's mantle.

"I think this is probably the most talent that has ever been in it at one time," he told The Ring. "I think it's good. There's a lot going on.

"Jai Opetaia is obviously the next [Oleksandr] Usyk. Then you've got the other guys. It's probably the best the division has ever looked."

Usyk previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight champion before his move to heavyweight, with Opetaia the current IBF kingpin.

Rozicki's assessment does not extend to Mikaelian however, who skipped multiple defences during his first WBC reign against the former.

"Out of all the divisional fighters, I think he's the most cowardly," he added. "I don't see any other cowards. Everyone else is willing to fight anybody

"Noel avoided me five times. He pulled out on five occasions, the last time with zero explanation and to me, that's a straight up coward.

"I've got zero respect for him at all as a person or champion and I think he's holding up the WBC belt. I would love to be the guy to get that fight against him."

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