Jai Opetaia crashed into Surfers Paradise bollard drink driving more than double the limit

A boxing world champ and former Olympian has landed in hot water after a drink driving crash drama. Read what happened in court.

A boxing world champion and former Olympian was more than two times over the drink driving limit when he got behind the wheel and crashed into a bollard on a busy Gold Coast strip.

Jai Tapu Opetaia pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday to drink driving and driving without a licence.

The court was told Opetaia, a professional boxer, crashed into a bollard when driving on the Esplanade, Surfers Paradise about 10.15pm on September 19.

Professional boxer Jai Opetaia (right) leaves Southport Magistrates Court with his lawyer Jason Murakami, of Behlau Murakami Grant.

Police were called and followed Opetaia.

He recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.123 – more than double the 0.05 legal alcohol limit.

Police checks found Opetaia’s licence had been suspended by the State Penalties Enforcement Register.

Magistrate Michelle Dooley fined Opetaia $750 and ordered he be disqualified from driving for four months.

Opetaia’s lawyer Jason Murakami, of Behlau Murakami Grant, said Opetaia as a professional athlete lived a “regimented lifestyle”.

Professional boxer Jai Opetaia pleaded guilty to being double the legal alcohol limit.

He said Opetaia had used alcohol after he sustained an injury.

The 27-year-old captured the IBF cruiserweight world title in July on the Gold Coast, during a bruising encounter with Mairis Briedis. Opetaia fought out the bout with a broken jaw.

At the time he told reporters “my jaw wasn’t even connected to my skull”.

He was heralded for his bravery in the fight and bringing another world title to Australian shores.

Opetaia first came into the public spotlight as the youngest ever Australian Olympic boxer, qualifying for the 2012 Games as a 16-year-old heavyweight.

Outside of court, Opetaia did not comment but Mr Murakami spoke on his behalf.

“My client is very remorseful and is thankful for the consideration of the court, Mr Murakami said

“He just wants to put this behind him and move on with his training.”

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Originally published as Jai Opetaia crashed into Surfers Paradise bollard drink driving more than double the limit