Jai Opetaia now within touching distance of becoming Australia’s first cruiserweight world champion
Jai Opetaia says he’s relieved he finally has ‘the blueprint’ to get a world title fight, which could come as early as October after a shock move by the champion.
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Jai Opetaia is on the verge of a world title fight that could land him the same belt once worn by Evander Holyfield.
The undefeated Central Coast fighter is in the mix for the IBF cruiserweight title after champion Mairis Briedis posted on social media that he would vacate the strap and move up to heavyweight.
If that happens, No.3 ranked Opetaia would fight No.2 ranked Michal Cieslak (21-1, 15KO) for the vacant title, possibly in October.
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Briedis (27-1, 19KO) posted a video on TokTok last week titled “I am not afraid of taking a step.”
In the video, he said: “Hey guys, I’m coming to heavyweight”, before unloading a series of punches on a bag.
The IBF has sent an email to Briedis’ team asking for confirmation that he is indeed moving up to the next division.
“They haven’t confirmed or denied it so we’re still in a holding pattern, but if it is announced that he’s moving up and relinquishing his title, then Jai will be fighting the No.2 Michal Cieslak,” IBF board member Ben Keilty told News Corp.
“It’s all on Briedis, we’re just waiting.
“He’s announced he’s moving to heavyweight, we think that’s his intention, but the IBF can’t presume that he definitely is — we’ve got to get it in writing.
“Jai is either getting a world title shot next, or if anything else happens he’s getting the mandatory, so he’s in a good spot.”
Opetaia, 26, is considered one of the best prospects in Australia and has amassed a 20-0 record with 16 knockouts.
He will either get a world title fight next, or be in the position to fight a title eliminator.
Either way, Opetaia has the chance to become the first Australian to hold a major cruiserweight world title.
“I feel like I’ve had it in my fingertips for quite a while now,” Opetaia said.
“We’ve been back and forth with a few fighters, Covid’s come, it’s been a frustrating journey but the hard work will pay off eventually.
“It’s been pretty difficult, it feels like my life has been on hold, I’ve had hand surgery and Covid has pulled down a lot of international opportunities.
“I’m just so happy that the plan is there now, we’ve got something to aim for.
“I’m excited, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.
“I always knew I was going to fight for a world title, so it’s good to have the blueprint to how we’re going to get it here.”
Holyfield claimed the IBF cruiserweight belt in 1987 before unifying the division, then stepping up to heavyweight to forge one of the great boxing careers including his famous win against Mike Tyson.
For many cruiserweights, the plan is always to win the world title and then move to the more glamorous heavyweight division where many more big-money fights await.
The previous unified cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, is now in the heavyweights and is scheduled to fight WBA, IBF and WBO champion Anthony Joshua on September 25, and Opetaia is not surprised Briedis is looking to do the same.
“I see that in my future as well,” Opetaia said.
“I don’t want to win just one, I want to win a few world titles in the cruiserweight division, and eventually move up to the heavyweight division.”
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Originally published as Jai Opetaia now within touching distance of becoming Australia’s first cruiserweight world champion
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