Jai Opetaia eyes future move to heavyweight

JAI OPETAIA believes he can follow in the footsteps of Oleksandr Usyk and move up to the heavyweight division to become a two-weight world champion.

Usyk has achieved the astonishing feat of becoming undisputed at both cruiser and heavyweight and it’s a path Opetaia wants to walk. But for now he faces Jack Massey in the latest defence of his IBF cruiserweight title. And then in 2025 the Australian will look to unify the 200lb division.

“It’s not just Oleksandr Usyk that’s followed that path,” Opetaia told Boxing News.

“There’s a heap of cruiserweights that have moved up to heavy and held their own and been on those paths to greatness. I definitely see myself heading down that direction but like I said without winning these fights all that’s just talk.”

Opetaia’s mindset is one of his greatest strengths as is his rapid fire offence. If Massey is to cause one of the biggest upsets of the year he may need to rely on the unbeaten 29-year-old not firing on all cylinders.

Speaking to BN Opetaia showed signs of being in the zone ahead of Saturday night in Riyadh with all his attention on the challenge from Massey.

“I’m expecting 12 hard rounds out of Jack Massey, he’s a tough opponent,” the champion said. “I feel like he’s going to be walking on to a lot of shots. Let’s see how tough he is.

“I’m looking at him as an equal fighter. I don’t think I’m above him in any way. I’ve prepared for someone like me.”