BY TOM IVERS
This Article has been curated by UDBN
January 14, 2024
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
While some fans may be interested in a potential fight between cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, Opetaia is more interested in unifying world titles in his current division.
Opetaia successfully defended his IBF cruiserweight title with a devastating knockout over David Nyika last Wednesday in Australia. Opetaia was previously chasing a unification bout with WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith. Billam-Smith instead faced WBA beltholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in November. Ramirez defeated Billam-Smith to unify those two titles.
Opetaia was originally scheduled to face mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara last week. When Cinkara pulled out with an injury, Nyika stepped in.
The Australian is now only focused on unifying the division and becoming undisputed.
“I'm chasing unification fights and that is it,” Opetaia told BoxingScene. “Anything else outside of a unification fight, I'm fighting who they want me to fight, not who I want to fight.
I'm chasing unification fights, and that is it.
“There's always conversations, but conversations aren't contracts, so I'm waiting. I hope [it’s Ramirez next].”
His promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, has talked up Opetaia potentially moving up in weight to take on Usyk. Opetaia, however, has unfinished business in the cruiserweight division to deal with first.
“Man, you know, we want to go up to heavyweight and collect the heavyweight world title, but I'm just so focused on getting these fights done first,” he said. “You know, unification fights are so hard to get, and I've just been chasing them and chasing them, so I'm not worried about anything else until I tick these boxes. Then once that's done, we'll look further down the road.”
Opetaia, who attended the press conference for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol II, has been linked with defending his title against both of the leading light heavyweights.
“Hey, if it happens, it happens,” said Opetaia. “You know, I'm not here to call these boys out. I'm here to show respect.”
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