JAI OPETAIA: READY FOR WAR
Jai Opetaia and his team (Photo: Jai Opetaia facebook)
The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation as Jai Opetaia prepares to step back into the ring for a long-awaited rematch against Mairis Briedis in Riyadh this Sunday. This bout is not just another fight for Opetaia; it's a pivotal moment in his career, a chance to reclaim his title, and further cement his legacy in the sport.
Jai Opetaia, with an impeccable record of 24-0 (19 KOs), is the pride of Samoan boxing. His journey to the top has been marked by determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. In July 2022, Opetaia faced his toughest challenge yet when he went head-to-head with the seasoned Latvian, Mairis Briedis, in Australia. Despite suffering a broken jaw, Opetaia fought through the pain, showcasing his exceptional skill and heart to claim the IBF cruiserweight title via unanimous decision.
The victory came at a significant cost. The broken jaw sustained in the fight sidelined Opetaia for over a year, a period that tested his patience and resolve. Issues outside the ring added to the delay, but Opetaia remained steadfast, determined to return stronger than ever. His comeback began with a fourth-round stoppage of Jordan Thompson in London, a fight that demonstrated his readiness to reclaim his place at the top.
In December, Opetaia faced Ellis Zorro in Saudi Arabia, delivering a spectacular first-round knockout. This impressive victory solidified his status as a formidable force in the cruiserweight division. However, despite these successes, Opetaia was stripped of his IBF title for opting to fight Zorro instead of finalizing a rematch with Briedis, who had been inactive since their first bout.
Opetaia's journey has led him to Riyadh, where he will finally get his rematch against Briedis. "I’m feeling good, ready to put on a good show," Opetaia said during his pre-match interview. His confidence is palpable, fueled by a deep desire to reclaim his title and prove his dominance in the division. "I feel like he’s going to come out swinging and we’re ready for anything he brings," he added, showcasing his readiness for the challenges ahead.
Opetaia's focus is unwavering. "I’m chasing belts, not names," he emphasized, highlighting his dedication to his career goals. Despite the competitive tension, he respects Briedis as a fighter. However, the build-up to the rematch has been marked by moments of animosity, particularly when Opetaia referred to Briedis derogatorily in a heated video. "It was more heat of the moment, I don’t hold grudges," he later clarified, attributing his anger to the complications that led to his title being stripped.
The rematch will take place on the undercard of the monumental Ring of Fire event, headlined by the heavyweight unification fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The vacant IBF cruiserweight title will be up for grabs, adding even more significance to an already highly anticipated bout. Fans can catch the action live on DAZN and ESPN+ in the United States, and on TNT Sports, Sky Sports, and DAZN in the United Kingdom.
Opetaia is acutely aware of the challenge that lies ahead. "I’m ready for 12 rounds of war," he stated, preparing for the possibility of a prolonged and brutal fight. He acknowledges Briedis' experience and skill, expecting a more aggressive approach from the Latvian this time around. "I think he knows now if he sits back and tries to box with me, he’s going to have a big problem," Opetaia noted, indicating his anticipation of a fierce battle.
For Opetaia, this fight is about more than just reclaiming a title; it's about solidifying his place as the top cruiserweight in the world. A second win over Briedis would put an exclamation point on his claims as the division’s best and potentially set up a unification bout with other top contenders.
Looking ahead, Opetaia's ambitions might even take him to the heavyweight division, much like former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. "We’ll have to sit down and see but there’s talks about fighting for the WBO next," he mentioned, hinting at the possibilities that lie ahead. "But I’ve got a job to do first. We’ve got a couple boxes we want to tick as a cruiserweight first."
As the clock ticks down to Sunday night, Jai Opetaia stands on the brink of another defining moment in his career. His journey has been one of triumph, adversity, and relentless perseverance. With the eyes of the boxing world upon him, Opetaia is ready to prove once again why he is a champion. When the bell rings in Riyadh, it won't just be a fight; it will be a testament to the heart, skill, and indomitable spirit of Jai Opetaia.