JAI Opetaia boasts a near 10lb weight advantage ahead of his IBF world title defence against unheralded cruiserweight challenger Claudio Squeo.
The pair will lock horns tomorrow morning (UK time), headlining a Tasman Fighters card at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.
Even before their weigh-in took place earlier today, Opetaia, 27-0 (21 KOs) – who has halted seven of his last eight opponents – was considered to be an almighty favourite.
But now, it would appear that the chances of an upset have only become slimmer, with Squeo, 17-0 (9 KOs), hitting the scales at a remarkably low weight of 191.1lbs.
Opetaia, meanwhile, recorded a far less surprising weight of 199.4lbs prior to what should be little more than a tune-up, merely designed to sharpen his tools ahead of a more meaningful showdown later this year.
Naturally, the Australian sensation has set his sights on potential matchups with Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack, expressing his eagerness to become the undisputed king at 200lbs.
WBA and WBO world champion Ramirez will face Yuniel Dorticos, a seasoned Cuban contender, later this month, aligning himself perfectly for a possible unification with Opetaia – should both fighters come through their respective assignments, that is.
WBC world champion Badou Jack, on the other hand, is set to enter an immediate rematch with Noel Mikaelian following his somewhat contentious majority decision victory last month.
But either way, explosive technician Opetaia is expected to storm through Squeo, especially after entering the ring on Sunday with a tremendous size advantage.
His opponent, however, is nonetheless hoping to prove that his unassuming resume – and indeed his lighter frame – will have no bearing on what could be a monumental upset victory.
