But now, as he prepares to face unbeaten New Zealander David Nyika – a late-notice opponent – this Wednesday, it is worth taking a look at Opetaia’s three most notable victories.
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey, October 2024
Coming off an impressive victory over Isaac Chamberlain – a fight he took on short notice – Jack Massey had all the momentum and confidence to cause an almighty upset.
Only, before he even had the chance to get a foothold in the fight, the Brit found himself on the receiving end of a torrid onslaught in the sixth round.
In a show of compassion, Massey’s head coach, Joe Gallagher, intervened before the fight could take a turn for the worse, putting an appropriate end to one of Opetaia’s most destructive displays.
Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis 2, May 2024
Following his ruthless finishes against Jordan Thompson and Ellis Zorro, Opetaia was presented with the opportunity to reclaim his IBF strap in a rematch with Briedis.
The 29-year-old had been forced to vacate his title after failing to fulfil his mandatory obligation, with Briedis, meanwhile, remaining out of action for nearly two years.
Still, despite a somewhat pedestrian start, the Latvian soon put Opetaia’s gas tank to the test, producing a late surge in a fight that was seemingly slipping away from him.
And yet, regardless of his best efforts, Briedis was ultimately forced to suffer another unanimous decision defeat.
Mairis Briedis vs Jai Opetaia, July 2022
Entering his first world title fight as a sizable underdog, Opetaia certainly had a monumental mountain to climb against one of this generation’s greatest cruiserweights.
Sure enough, the Australian was swiftly forced to walk through fire after suffering two breaks to his jaw in only the second round.
In a remarkable demonstration of his character, though, Opetaia soon began to push through the pain barrier, banking much of the mid to late rounds with a tremendous performance down the stretch.
And so, after emerging victorious on the three judges’ scorecards, the dynamic southpaw ultimately dethroned Mairis Briedis to claim his IBF and Ring Magazine trinkets.
