Boxers Jai Opetaia and Claudio Squeo post-match punch

An unlikely friendship has formed despite Italy’s Claudio Squeo getting his jaw shattered by Australia’s world champion Jai Opetaia boxer last Sunday. SEE THE VIDEO

An unlikely union has formed after Italy’s Claudio Squeo had his jaw shattered by Gold Coast’s world champion cruiserweight Jai Opetaia last Sunday.

Opetaia won the bout against Squeo in the fifth round, by technical knock out after the referee stopped the fight with Opetaia retaining his IBF cruiserweight world title, and pointing out to the referee he had broken his opponent’s jaw.

Boxer Jai Opetaia meets with Claudio Squeo (left) to say farewell after he broke the jaw of the Italian world title challenger. Picture Glenn Hampson

The brutal injury saw Squeo rushed to Gold Coast hospital for emergency surgery – but with no insurance, no ability to speak the language and his team already on a flight back to Italy, the Opetaia team swept in to help.

With the aid of his new friend Andrea Otteli translating – who’s remained by his side since the incident to help where he can – Squeo told the Bulletin things were tough to begin with.

“It was very hard because I was in a lot of pain,” Squeo said.

“I didn’t know what was going on and was in the opposite side of the world, so far away from family.”

Boxer Jai Opetaia meets with Claudio Squeo (left) to say farewell after he broke the jaw of the Italian world title challenger. Picture Glenn Hampson

Opetaia’s sponsors O’Cea Water forked out $35,000 for immediate private surgery, booked five-star accommodation for Squeo at Langham Gold Coast and Opetaia’s team kept a close watch on him post-op.

They bought him bone broth, fruit, protein and even a blender to help him recover until he flies home. To that end, the pair shared fruit smoothies in a friendly catch up on Friday.

The Italian journeyman boxer said he was so moved by the team who have since become family.

“I want to came back here, train here, maybe with Jai if he wants – I feel so at home here and so supported,” he said.

Tarek Barhoun, Jason Doerr, Claudio Squeo, Danny A, Andrea Ottelli. Picture: Supplied

Four days after the bout, Squeo was already training, speaking and on solid foods – despite the traumatic injury which saw his jaw shatter and break in what sponsor Jason Doerr said was the worst broken jaw the surgeon had seen.

The fighter said he’s ready to get back into the ring as soon as possible.

Opetaia said it was a massive shout out to his team.

“Jason, Danny, Tarik – it’s them who looked after him. They’ve treated him like family,” he said.

“I’ve always said your opponent is not your enemy – it’s good to have him here and it’s good to see him safe.”

Originally published as Boxers Jai Opetaia and Claudio Squeo post-match punch