Jai Opetaia Joins The Fury-Usyk Undercard For His Second Fight In Saudi
Jai Opetaia will have his second fight in Saudi Arabia on the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk card.
The main event takes place on February 17, 2024, with the winner becoming the world’s undisputed heavyweight champion. Boxing has not had an undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999. That is a massive stage for Opetaia to showcase his skills.
The former IBF cruiserweight champion took the risk of coming to Saudi Arabia by not facing his mandatory, which resulted in him being stripped. The decision paid off, as he stopped Ellis Zorro in the first round. It is unclear who he will face, but Opetaia has expressed his desire to fight Dmitry Bivol. That is provided Bivol cleans up at 175 pounds, which could then play out.
Opetaia On Bivol
“[I want Bivol]. I got a lot of respect for Bivol. He’s probably one of my favorite fighters at the moment. We actually went out to dinner the other night and he said he wanted to see that fight with me and him further down the track. That’s a fight I would love to have. The best of the cruiserweights vs. the best of the light heavies,” Opetaia stated
Outside his fight, Opetaia is reportedly set to help Tyson Fury spar for his fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Opetaia and Usyk are southpaws known for their excellent footwork and left hands. Usyk was the former undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world, making Opetaia the perfect boxer for sparring, since they have similar skillsets.
Opetaia On Fury
“I do [rate Fury]. I feel like he uses his strengths very well and that’s why he’s heavyweight champion of the world. They’ve reached out [for sparring]. They want me in there for sparring with them for Usyk, which I’m excited to be a part of. I’m excited to mix it up with the big boys and I’m also excited to show them who I am. That’s what I do. I go and I earn respect. And I’m excited for them to leave that camp and be like, ‘F**k, he is good,” Opetaia said
Opetaia has also outlined his goals for facing Usyk in the future. He expanded on his respect for the Ukrainian’s boxing skills as he prepared to make history. Usyk and Fury are currently undefeated, with the winner as the best heavyweight of his era. Opetaia stopped short of predicting who he felt would win, but he backed the two fighters to put on a spectacle.
Opetaia On Usyk
“I don’t know [who wins]. I like Usyk’s style, he throws a lot of punches, but Tyson Fury knows how to use his strengths, that big 6ft 9 giant, he knows how to use it. He’s got a good ring IQ but it’s a fight I’d definitely be tuning in to,” Opetaia added
Opetaia’s future is bright, and he is regarded as the best cruiserweight around. He may not have a belt, but his skillset is undeniable.
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