Jai Opetaia will go after Oleksandr Usyk after securing undisputed status at Cruiserweight, says Eddie Hearn
Jai Opetaia's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has a plan for his Australian boxer's future, which includes a fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
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Eddie Hearn wants Jai Opetaia to challenge Oleksandr Usyk (Image via Instagram/DAZN)
Athletes often strive to enhance their status in their respective sports. For boxers, achieving undisputed champion status is particularly prestigious. Over the years, many boxers have earned this title, with Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk being a notable example. Similarly, rising stars like Jai Opetaia are also aiming for this level of recognition.
Jai Opetaia is the current IBF cruiserweight champion, having recently defended his title in Gold Coast, Australia. He faced David Nyiki, who entered the match with an undefeated record. Following his victory against Nyiki, Opetaia appeared humbled and not overly excited about the win. In contrast, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, had plenty to say in the post-fight interview.
I think Jai’s humble enough to not yet talk about the name of Oleksandr Usyk, I’m not. Jai’s gonna pick up all the belts in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed, then we’re gonna push him into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Eddie Hearn via DAZN Boxing live broadcast
Oleksandr Usyk is arguably one of the most popular names in the boxing world today. Although he currently competes in the heavyweight division, he once held the undisputed championship in the cruiserweight division.
The Ukrainian boxer began his professional career in the cruiserweight category, where he defeated several top competitors and ultimately became the undisputed champion. Similarly, Eddie Hearn hopes to see Opetaia achieve the same level of success.
? @EddieHearn wants that @usykaa vs. @jaiopetaia1 fight in the future #OpetaiaNyika pic.twitter.com/oXmEhk4RaU
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 8, 2025
Additionally, the Matchroom boss intends to arrange a matchup between Opetaia and Usyk. As the undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion, the Ukrainian boxer has several potential opponents eager to face him. Among them, the IBF heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois, seems to be the frontrunner for a fight against Usyk.
When Turki Alalshikh wanted Jai Opetaia to face off against either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are the two leading boxers in the light heavyweight division, much like Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in the heavyweight category. The two Russian fighters faced off against each other in October 2024. However, before their match, Turki Alalshikh had a potential opponent in mind for the winner of the Beterbiev vs. Bivol bout.
Alalshikh is one of the most influential figures in the boxing community, often looking to arrange exciting matchups for fans. Following the Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight, the Saudi Delegate shared this mindset in an exclusive interview with DAZN Boxing. He identified Jai Opetaia as the ideal boxer for another captivating matchup within the boxing world.
What I want to see, I want to see the result of Artur and Bivol play against Opetaia. You understand me?… This is what I hope to have…
Turki Alalshikh via DAZN Boxing
Beterbiev vs Opetaia‼️
— AccordingToBoxing (@AccordToBoxing) January 18, 2024
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh says he wants the winner of Beterbiev vs Bivol to face Jai Opetaia in a super fight..
Turki Alalshikh is on a mission to return Boxing back to it’s glory days & make it the #1 sport in the world..?
?: DAZN Boxing on… pic.twitter.com/pniSqUhl2V
The fight between Beterbiev and Bivol ended up being controversial, so both Russian boxers are scheduled for a rematch in February 2025. It will be interesting to see how Alalshikh reacts after Opetaia’s victory. However, contrary to this situation, the IBF cruiserweight champion appears more interested in a title unification bout against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez next.
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Nilaav Gogoi
(543 Articles Published)