Boxing Updates: Jai Opetaia Set to Fight on Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Undercard, Takes Important Role in Training Fury

When the discussion for the best cruiserweight is on the table, Jai Opetaia‘s name is bound to come up. The undefeated 28-year-old vacated his IBF cruiserweight title in December 2023. Thereafter, a headliner fight between Opetaia and then undefeated Ellis Zorro took its course at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ event in Riyadh. In the fight, Opetaia proved yet again why he is special.

The Australian destroyed Zorro with one punch securing a first-round knockout. Putting a dent in Zorro’s perfect record seemed like no big deal for Opetaia. Opetaia’s fight against Zorro was part of a much bigger multi-fight deal with the Saudis, and he will fight again on Saudi territory, this time on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. Michael Benson shared a tweet on X talking about Opetaia’s next fight on the Fury undercard as well as something else.

Jai Opetaia makes a return to Saudi Arabia for next fight

According to the reports published by Boxing Scene.com, the Australian champion is reportedly set to fight in the Fury vs. Usyk undercard in February in Saudi Arabia. “His next fight will be in Saudi that’s for sure,” confirmed Opetaia’s manager, Matt Clarke. The tweet also mentioned yet another piece of information which came as a surprise for many.

It said, “Opetaia will also be training/sparring with Fury to help him prepare for Usyk.” Fury definitely has some quality sparring ahead of his fight against the undisputed champion. Obviously, with Opetaia’s performances right now, it is hard to say who is a worthy enough opponent to face him. Whether anyone can stop the Australian from advancing further remains to be seen in the next month.

Why was Jai Opetaia forced to relinquish his title?

Before the fight with Zorro, Opetaia made headlines mostly for the reasons he had to give up the IBF cruiserweight title. He was set to fight against Mairis Briedis in a rematch. Opetaia defeated Briedis in July 2022 and became the cruiserweight champion. Both the fighters could not come to a deal for a rematch which forced the organisation to step in.

Read More: WBC President Points Out How Their Institution’s Past Act Saved Ellis Zorro From Getting Severely Injured by Jai Opetaia’s Lethal KO

The IBF proceeded to strip the belt off the champion as he had already used his voluntary exception in September against Jordan Thompson. Furthermore, Opetaia had already signed a deal to fight in Saudi Arabia, there was no way he could refuse being part of such a huge event. This left the best cruiserweight without a belt in the ‘Day of Reckoning’.

As match day comes closer, who do you think will go up against Jai Opetaia? Will the opponent be able to put a dent in Opetaia’s record? Do let us know in the comments below.

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