Boxing Updates: Jai Opetaia Leaves Tyson Fury’s Camp Disappointed After Just Five Rounds of Sparring

In a twist that’s as puzzling as it is unexpected, Jai Opetaia’s stint at Tyson Fury’s Saudi camp has abruptly ended. After just five rounds of sparring with the heavyweight king, Opetaia is heading home. But why such a short stay? Opetaia, unbeaten in his career, was gearing up for a significant rematch.

His opponent? Mairis Briedis is a name that rings with intensity in the boxing world. Their previous bout, a jaw-breaking encounter, left fans craving more. Now, as the undercard of Tyson Fury–Oleksandr Usyk looms, questions hover. What’s behind Opetaia’s sudden departure? How will this impact his preparation for a fight that promises fireworks?

Five rounds and out: Why Opetaia left Fury’s Saudi training

Choosing to spar with Tyson Fury, a titan in the boxing world, was a strategic move by Jai Opetaia for his crucial rematch against Mairis Briedis. Opetaia, boasting an unblemished record, aimed to sharpen his skills against Fury’s renowned prowess, as Fury is also orthodox just like Mairis.

However, this plan hit an unforeseen snag, as revealed by a recent tweet from IFL TV: “OPETAIA LEAVES FURY CAMP AFTER SPARRING JUST FIVE ROUNDS ‼️ Jai Opetaia has returned home to Australia due to the lack of orthodox sparring available in Fury’s camp after sparring just five rounds with Tyson in Saudi.”

This abrupt change in Opetaia’s training regimen raised several questions. Notably, his preparation for the rematch, which fans eagerly anticipated, may now face significant challenges. The decision to join Fury’s camp initially seemed like a perfect opportunity for fine-tuning his technique, especially considering the intensity of their first fight. Yet, this sudden twist adds an unexpected layer to the narrative of his upcoming bout.

How Opetaia’s high-stakes decision led to relinquishing his IBF belt

Jai Opetaia’s journey as the IBF cruiserweight champion took a dramatic turn, leading to him being stripped of his title. The root of this unexpected twist? His inability to secure a rematch with Mairis Briedis, whom he had earlier dethroned in a gripping battle. The negotiations for the rematch stalled as Breidis was injured.

“This was one extremely bizarre circumstance where the mandatory boxer was actually happy to not have it immediately enforced as he’s injured,” Jai’s manager had informed ESPN.

“We were left with three options: vacate, be stripped if Jai fights on Dec. 23, or wait for Briedis,” he added.

The final blow came when Opetaia, seizing a lucrative opportunity, signed for a fight in Saudi Arabia, conflicting with the IBF’s schedule. This decision, while financially rewarding, cost him his hard-earned title, leaving the IBF cruiserweight title vacant on the eve of the ‘Day of Reckoning’. As the match day inches closer, speculation mounts about Opetaia’s next opponent and whether they can challenge his undefeated streak.

Also Read: Boxing Promoter Names Tyson Fury “The Man to Beat” While Roping in Anthony Joshua Ahead of Oleksandr Usyk Fight

Will these challenges forge a stronger fighter, or will they prove to be hurdles in his path to boxing greatness? What do you think lies ahead for Opetaia in the ring?

Watch this story: Biggest Cash Grabs of Tyson Fury In and Out of the Boxing Ring