The Australian fighter did not hold back when giving an emotional and fiery response regarding the injury in his world title bout.
Current IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia currently boasts a professional record of 26-0. However, his 24th fight is perhaps one of the toughest of his career.
The two-time world champion from Sydney has competed in four title bouts. However, he will be aiming to defend his IBF cruiserweight belt on January 8th, 2025 for the second time since regaining the title.
Jai Opetaia suffered a broken jaw in title bout but explains why he didn’t quit
In July of 2022, Opetaia would get his first opportunity at a world title. Facing Mairis Briedis in Australia, the IBF world cruiserweight belt was on the line.
However, Opetaia would not get off to an ideal start in his huge opportunity.
Despite having a strong opening, Opetaia would suffer a broken jaw in the early rounds.
Although the injury was not made obvious in real time the fighter confirmed the injury after the bout.
When asked by Boxing King Media why he didn’t choose to prioritise his safety in the bout following the injury, Opetaia had a fiery response.
“We wouldn’t be here, would we? We’d be f***g telling stories, ‘Oh, I could’ve won that world title, but…’ I’d be another storyman: ‘I broke my jaw in the second round, and I had to stop fighting.’ Do I want to f***g live my life telling that story? Or do you just want to push, bro, drag me out of the ring… To me, it’s a no-f***g-brainer. The jaw will heal; live in the moment; don’t worry about f****** tomorrow.”
Even having suffered a broken jaw, the title bout would go all 12 rounds, with Opetaia emerging as the winner.
Opetaia and Briedis would meet again for the vacant IBF cruiserweight title in May of 2024. However, the outcome would be the same with the Australian once again getting a unanimous decision victory.
The Briedis win would then be successfully followed up by Opetaia as he defended his cruiserweight belt in his next bout. A sixth-round TKO over Jack Massey would extend his undefeated career to 26-0.
The Australian is now a huge name in the division, with potential big fights in the future. As Oleksandr Usyk has teased a cruiserweight return, Opetaia could be a viable opponent for the Ukranian.
Eddie Hearn gives thoughts on upcoming Opetaia title bout in January
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has given his insight ahead of Jai Opetaia’s upcoming cruiserweight title showdown with David Nyika.
Nyika (10-0) comes into the bout as a significant underdog, largely due to his lack of professional experience. However, Hearn has praised the belief and desire of the challenger as he aims to dethrone Opetaia.
“I love it. You should be taking the fight. It’s definitely too early for him. But just because it’s too early doesn’t mean he can’t win. Belief is a huge part of it but you’ve got to truly believe,” Hearn told the New Zealand Herald.
Nyika is stepping up to the title bout on just three weeks’ notice. Opetaia’s original opponent, Huseyin Cinkara, was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.
Speaking on the nature of the bout, Hearn said, “I’ve known David a long time. He’s a brilliant fighter but I was always thinking this fight was going to be in 12 months’ time. I couldn’t believe it when he took the fight.”
Opetaia is just one of Matchroom Boxing’s Australian stars ready to perform in 2025. Eddie Hearn has also provided an update on George Kambosos Jr’s next fight, another major name in Oceanic boxing.
Although the fighter’s next bout is yet to be officially announced, it is confirmed he will be making a move up in weight to the 140lbs division.