In a deeply unsurprising turn of events, Don King has filed a cease and desist against TKO Group to block Saturday’s cruiserweight title bout between Jai Opetaia and the King-managed Noel Mikaelian, which is set to co-headline Zuffa Boxing’s Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn show in Las Vegas.
From the order:
“It has come to DKP’s attention that TKO Group Holdings, Inc. and Zuffa Boxing (collectively, “TKO/Zuffa”) have engaged the professional boxing services of Mikaelian, without DKP’s permission, consent or authorization, to engage in a bout against Jai Opetaia (“Opetaia”) on September 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV (the “Bout”). TKO/Zuffa’s actions are outrageous and a clear tortious interference with DKP’s Agreement.”
“Based on, inter alia, emails between you and DKP’s legal counsel, Carl Lewis, Esq. (“Mr. Lewis”), there is absolutely no doubt that TKO/Zuffa was and is aware that DKP is Noel’s promoter.”
“I understand that you were personally involved in discussions with Mr. Lewis regarding a potential fight or multi-fight deal for Mikaelian, which would include a fight with Opetaia, and that no agreement was consummated. It is particularly disturbing to know that TKO/Zuffa’s Chief Operating Officer, Harrison Whitman, Esq., and the head of TKO/Zuffa, Dana White, had at least one virtual conference with DKP’s President, Mr. Don King, and Mr. Lewis in an effort to secure a Provision of Services (“POS”) deal for Mikaelian, again which included a fight with Opetaia. Although no deal was reached, it is indefensible for Zuffa/TKO to completely ignore the DKP Agreement, the promoter-fighter relationship between DKP and Mikaelian, and circumvent DKP and engage the services of Mikaelian for the Bout with Opetaia.”
… “To be unequivocally clear, TKO/Zuffa’s actions constitute a knowing, intentional and unjustified tortious interference with the Agreement. Any contracts that Mikaelian has entered into or shall enter into for his professional services as a fighter, without the express, written consent of DKP are void. The announced September 12, 2026, Bout between Mikaelian and Opetaia cannot go forward. TKO/Zuffa must immediately cancel the Bout between Mikaelian and Opetaia and announce such cancellation in the media immediately. Furthermore, TKO/Zuffa cannot engage Mikaelian for any match without DKP’s express, written consent and permission.
DKP has not and does not give TKO/Zuffa permission to negotiate with Mikaelian or to engage him, directly or indirectly, in any professional fights. TKO/Zuffa is hereby directed to immediately cease and desist its actions and to have no further communications and/or business dealings of any kind with Mikaelian. Any communications, discussions and dealings with Mikaelian for his professional services must be done by DKP.”
Lest you brush this off as an Old Man Yells at Cloud moment, be aware that King has a surprisingly strong batting average on this front. He shut down Jarrell Miller vs Michael Hunter last year and previously ran Christopher Lovejoy’s career into the dirt. After decades of sharpening his talents, he’s essentially the Kaku Kaioh of ruining fighters’ lives.
Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KO) had to know this was going to happen, but insisted that his manager “ha[d] the rights to solicit third party opportunities.” That does not appear to case, and now he and the Zuffa crew have just a handful of days to decide whether to duke it out with the OG of pugilistic lawfare or forge ahead without Mikaelian.
We’ll keep you posted. Should be the best pre-fight entertainment we get this week.
