JAI OPETAIA aims to compensate for lost time and take advantage of a pivotal phase in his career.
After enduring a jaw injury in his triumph against Mairis Briedis in July 2022, the 28-year-old athlete spent more than a year as an onlooker on the sidelines. Delays were further compounded by extraneous matters unrelated to the sport. However, the Australian individual takes immense pride in his constant preparedness, as was demonstrated when he made a comeback in September, overpowering Jordan Thompson and securing a fourth-round victory in London.
Opetaia, eager to stay in motion, easily defeated Ellis Zorro in just one round after three months. Nevertheless, a much more challenging match lies ahead on Saturday night (May 18) as he and Briedis face off again on the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury undercard. This time, they will be competing for the vacant IBF title, a belt that both fighters previously held. However, it is worth noting that Briedis, with a record of 28-2 (20), is making a comeback after a long absence, with his last fight taking place against his rival in July 2022.
“I am prepared for a grueling battle of 12 rounds; I anticipate a tough fight,” Opetaia, with an undefeated record of 24 wins, including 19 knockouts, informed Boxing News.
“I hold great admiration for fighters like Briedis who have stood the test of time. I am fully prepared for the challenge.”
Respect seemed to vanish when he used derogatory language towards the Latvian, referring to him in a disrespectful manner in a video broadcasted on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.
He explained, “I don’t hold grudges; it was just more of a heat-of-the-moment situation.”
“I believe he’s a decent person, but their actions did make me quite angry. He backed out of a fight on two occasions and as a result, I was stripped of the [IBF] belt. The things happening behind the scenes were just a bunch of meaningless drama. Ultimately, this is just business. We’ll step into the ring and engage in battle.”
Opetaia dismissed any accusations that he aimed to retaliate against the 39-year-old veteran, emphasizing that this is not a personal matter to him. Known for his no-nonsense approach during interviews, the top cruiserweight projects a tough demeanor. However, during fight week, Opetaia switches into a focused mindset solely dedicated to his business: the upcoming bout. In this state, nothing else holds significance.
BN asked for his opinion on the June 15 rematch between WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe, but Opetaia isn’t particularly interested in what other fighters are doing. This clears his mind and sharpens his focus. No matter who holds the other world titles, he wants them.
“I’m solely focused on pursuing championship belts,” he stated. “I have no interest in pursuing specific opponents based on their name. My only goal is to compete against whoever possesses those belts.”
“He added, ‘I serve as their source of motivation. I’m right there in the thick of things, putting in the effort. They are aware that if they challenge me, they need to bring their A-game. Likewise, I approach my fights with the same mindset – I must take care of business.'”
