Jai Opetaia harbors the intention to be the absolute best and become the unified cruiserweight champion. His ambitions are high but so is his zeal to fight. It was no wonder that he chose to close the year with one of the biggest cards of the year when Chris Billiam-Smith decided to sit out for a couple of months. But the Australian boxer is not short-sighted. He has his focus on his challenger, Jack Massey. Will he continue to uproot his opponents and add Massey to his list of victims? Or will the challenger derail his juggernaut?

The fans will have their answers when two explosive fighters meet in the center of the ring on October 12 at Kingdom Arena. They are keen to witness the exciting fight, which promises them fireworks, and with the IBF title on the line, it only adds to the fight’s charm. It all unfolds this coming Saturday on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard and before that happens, let’s have a look at how the two boxers stack up.

Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey: Tale of Tape

Opetaia, at 29, has carved out a reputation for his unique in-and-out style, which has helped him remain elusive and do a number on his opponents. This has helped the champion rack up an unblemished record of 25-0 with 19 KOs. While he remains quick on his feet, his punches also do sustainable damage. His KO ratio of 76% also suggests he packs enough power behind his punches. In addition, the Sydney native knows how to utilize his dimensions to create distance, dictate the fight’s pace, and unload heavy punches.

Opetaia stands tall at 6’2″ (188 cm) and has a reach of 76″(193 cm). What’s more? He is feeling that he is only entering his prime years, where he feels confident of putting aside any foe. However, Massey feels the same after hanging out with quality opponents.

The British boxer, at 31, is the older of the two but has had fewer fights under his belts. But unlike Opetaia, he is a natural cruiserweight. He is also more aggressive and forward coming of the two and after a couple of close and tough fights, he still boasts an impressive record of 22-2 with 12 KOs. The Cheshire resident has a typical orthodox fighter approach and his KO ratio of 54.55% reflects his cautious approach. But what actually makes him a tough competitor is his size and height advantage, as he stands tall at 6’4″ (193 cm).

So, Massey has enough experience and size advantage to cause trouble for the champion, at least on the paper. But will it be enough for him to snatch the crown away for himself? He certainly feels the confidence to do so.

Prediction: who wins it?

What separates the rest from Opetaia? Despite being a cruiserweight, he is quick on his feet, uses movement, and lands precise shots. He does it while slipping in and out and avoiding exchanges. Then the IBF champion how to use his angles in a southpaw stance and increase his effectiveness of precision shots. However, his volume punching leaves him low on gas somewhere towards the end of the fight, and that allows his opponents to come back.

It’s something that Massey might try to exploit, as he will try to withstand the initial storm and force exchanges with the champion. It will push Opetaia to a territory, which he doesn’t like to be in. That’s not all. Jack Massey can adapt to different styles and fighters after fighting the likes of Joseph Parker and Isaac Chamberlain.

Then you throw into the mix his confidence and mentality and he shapes out as one of the tougher challengers Jai Opetaia has faced to date. But Opetaia might not allow Massey space and openings to go with his natural style. So, he might still safeguard his undefeated record and move on to face other champions at cruiserweight next.

What do you make of this coming fight between Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey? Who do you believe will leave the arena as a victor? Let us know in the comments below.