After a miserable 2024, this year started positively for Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn as his boxer Jai Opetaia defeated Kiwi sensation David Nyika via a brutal 4th round knockout. Opetaia signed a c-promotion deal with Matchroom Boxing in July 2023 and has won all five fights since then. The 29-year-old is like a glimmer of hope in Hearn’s catalog of main eventers who have had a rough year in 2024.

Opetaia’s devastating knockout of David Nyika impressed Hearn massively, as he termed the IBF cruiserweight champion as the only legitimate challenger to the unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, this admission by Hearn severely backfired as fans started mocking the promoter for his “delusion”.

Oleksandr Usyk’s only competition?

In a conversation with ‘Stomping Ground’ after the Jai Opetaia-David Nyika match, Hearn shared his delight. He termed the 29-year-old as “not just the best cruiserweight in the world. But one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” while also hoping for Nyika’s well-being.

The reporter then switched Hearn’s attention towards the call out he made to Oleksandr Usyk after the fight. While talking about the possibility of that fight, the 45-year-old claimed, “I think look with Usyk it’s like it’s not really someone you can necessarily call out. He’s that good, he’s achieved so much you’ve got to let your credentials do to speaking. To do that you need to become undisputed at cruiserweight in my opinion,” laying down the next task for his fighter.

Opetaia currently holds the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles. Hearn further added that his team would look to make the fight against WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez possible, who also has an eye on the Ukrainian. Matchroom honcho claimed that the route for the 27-0 boxer is clear. “If you’re going to be Undisputed at Cruiserweight you have to look to move up to heavyweight,” revealing the same path for Opetaia as Usyk.

In the official post-match presser, Hearn doubled down on the potential Usyk clash and claimed, “I believe he’s(Opetaia) the only fighter who can give Usyk a real fight over the next 12 to 18 months.” Something which did not sit right with the fans. After all, Oleksandr Usyk is one of the most accomplished fighters in the world. Furthermore, after beating Tyson Fury twice, his credibility has increased even further.

Fans made sure to make their voice heard as they trolled Hearn, whose confidence was sounding more like arrogance at this point.

Fans believe Jai Opetaia is not on the same level as Usyk

One user, not convinced by Jai Opetaia’s chances at heavyweight, wrote, “Calm down he bit beat a single heavyweight yet.” According to the user, Opetaia must prove himself against other pure heavyweights, something he hasn’t done yet, before even thinking of challenging Oleksandr Usyk.

Another user wrote, “He is also the guy who thought Joshua was gonna beat him to lol,” referring to the statement Hearn made prior to the Anthony Joshua vs. Usyk. The Matchroom promoter was so confident that AJ would defeat Usyk. However, Hearn was proven wrong as the Ukrainian defeated AJ twice convincingly to remove any shred of doubt regarding his credibility.

Another user wrote, “Tbh I think usyk would smoke him counters all night,” claiming that Opetaia will have no answer against Usyk’s superior technical skills. Another user of a similar mind highlighted this fact and wrote, “Usyk footwork going to frustrate Opetaia,” focusing on the stiff nature of Opetaia and how the unified heavyweight champion will take advantage of that. 

Amidst the sea of criticism, one user showed excitement for this clash. He wrote, “Both have good legs ,amateur styles ,would be best boxing Mach in the history of boxing,” claiming that both these boxers will steal the show.

While there is no doubt to the fact that a match between Jai Opetaia and Oleksandr Usyk will headline any event, calling it the best match in history might be too much. We will have to wait for the match to see if that statement holds true. Till then, let us know your thoughts below about this potential matchup.