Jai Opetaia lived up to his reputation as one of boxing’s rising stars. Right from the first bell, he applied pressure to pin down Jack Massey. The English ‘One Smack’ often found himself leaning on the ropes, fending off the Australian champion’s piercing body shots. Massey, who impressed crowds with a convincing victory over Isaac Chamberlain just a few months ago, moved around the ring, visibly avoiding a direct clash with Opetaia.

However, thanks to his superior footwork, the Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion would quickly close the distance, determined not to give his challenger a moment to breathe. Considering he expects a future clash with WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith, it was imperative for Opetaia to deliver. He didn’t disappoint. A bevy of fans soon joined, congratulating the champion as he defended his belts commendably. Some of the known names from the boxing world too didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to laud the Aussie champion.

An overwhelming triumph

Still undefeated, and still IBF and the Ring champion—that’s how Jai Opetaia would walk out of the ring. The Sydney-born southpaw probably knew what might be in store if he allowed Jack Massey to have his way. Earlier on May 18, at the Fury-Usyk ‘Ring of Fire’, Opetaia found himself struggling a bit against Mairis Briedis.

Perhaps this time he didn’t want to take any chance. Fans witnessed a chase across the ring. Jack Massey had his moments in the fight when he was able to shake up Jai Opetaia. But it appeared as if the champion was fully transfixed to secure a win.

Though he focused primarily on Massey’s body, Jai Opetaia showed no mercy to the challenger’s face, which soon became bloodied. Massey found it difficult to reverse his fortunes. Finally, relief came when trainer Joe Gallagher promptly threw in the towel to halt the fight.

Hats off to Jai Opetaia

From former champions to promoters, a stream of followers soon rushed in to share their thoughts on such an emphatic victory. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

Given that he had spent considerable time in the ring, Tony Bellew knows pretty well when a fight should be stopped lest it go out of hand. That’s why he could make out there was no fight left in Jack Massey. He said, “He’s got enough. Stop this now!”

Probably Jai Opetaia’s intensity shocked ‘Cigar Talk’ host Naji Chill. Shocked at the way the Australian hurt Massey, he said, “Jai [Opetaia] is beating the dog 💩 out this dude.” Expressing sheer excitement over Opetaia’s win, Chisanga Malata felt that Jai Opetaia’s fighting style clearly earned him a place in the pound-for-pound roster.

So much so that the MMA and boxing journalist believes that the Sydney-born fight might soon contemplate fighting in the heavyweight division once the challenges in the cruiserweight dry up. “Jai Opetaia is undoubtedly one of the pound-for-pound best. Such a slick operator. Only a matter of time, IMO, before he cleans out the cruiserweight division and moves up to heavyweight,” said Malata.

While pointing at Jai Opetaia’s clear superiority over Jack Massey, Frank Warren encouraged viewers and fans to watch out for the next bout between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke. He said, “Dominant win for Jai Opetaia, from the first bell. The small matter of Wardley v. Clarke 2 next could be special; don’t miss it!”

Emphasizing Jai Opetaia’s phenomenal success, eminent journalist Jake Donovan highlighted how the win over Jack Massey registers as probably one of Opetaia’s finest performances. “Jai Opetaia with a sixth-round stoppage of Jack Massey, who is rescued by head trainer Joe Gallagher. Fourth successful RING cruiserweight championship defense for Opetaia in one of his best performances,” said Donovan.

Fans are now eagerly awaiting the outcome of next month’s clash between Gilberto Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith.

If he decides to pursue the winner of the November 16 showdown, there’s a good chance for Opetaia to claim a stake in the unified title. Otherwise, he might find himself defending his title once again, this time against Huseyin Cinkara, the mandatory challenger.

Did you get a chance to watch the Opetaia-Massey bout? Is so what are your thoughts on the contest?