Comments Thread For: Jai Opetaia Outboxes Mairis Briedis, Claims Cruiserweight Championship In Upset

[richardt]

The rematch will be an even greater fight than the original.

[Boricua181]

Jai Opetaia fought a strong, and intelligent fight against the reigning champion Mairis Briedis in order to win the title.
It was an entertaining fight, but I could tell at the end of the fight that there was something wrong with Jai's jaw because he kept his mouth open.
So although he did win the title, he didn't escape unscathed from their fight, and I can see a rematch being made in the not to distant future.

[Someone88]

Wow! Yes! That fight was one of the best I've seen. Briedis was close to winning. Great win for Opetaia and congratulations to him on winning the Cruiserweight titles!

[Smash]

is it not a bit odd going all the way to aus as a belt holder for a fight, i guess looking at his record tho he goes to russia, germany america, i wonder what these guys are getting paid

[landotter]

Just watched this. No doubt Opetaia won this. Love Briedis, but he was a step slower most of this fight. Gutsy, fun fight. But Opetaia just had crisper, more angled shots. Briedis sure fought to the end.

I would watch a rematch.

[JakeTheBoxer]

Winning the fight with a broken jaw is something special.

[PBR Streetgang]

is it not a bit odd going all the way to aus as a belt holder for a fight, i guess looking at his record tho he goes to russia, germany america, i wonder what these guys are getting paid

I read somewhere (actually I think on NSB) that Briedis made "around a million" (not sure if that's AUS, USD or EU). I read an article that said Briedis wanted to fight in Australia and he enjoys fighting around to globe to increase his exposure for his legacy.

I thought Opetaia won a clear decision 8-4 or 7-5 in terms of rounds. Both men acquitted themselves well but I think Briedis is starting show his age and the wear and tear of his many ring wars. Hats off to Opetaia for his game plan, composure and toughness.

[Rodtang]

source.gif

[1hourRun]

A great moral-victory for Briedis in the closing rounds, he was on the verge of forcing the TKO. Mairis must want to run it back ASAP, I'll watch.



Respect to the new cruiser lineal champ, we on da front page baby! denium , Australia is UP! You can front if you want.

[b Murphington]

Just watched it. Bout had a little bit of everything in it. All we were missing were KD’s.

Both guys hurt. Both guys showing facial damage. A little bit of boxing. Some slugging. Both landing their shots. Both guys tired and leaving it all in the ring. Momentum shifts (which is really what makes a bout great and takes it to the next level).

I think I’ll have to give it a second viewing, it was real good stuff especially towards the end. I was having too much fun to really score it, but it seemed like the right decision.

Opetaia piled on points early on and looked to be running away with it. Nothing special. Just scoring his shots, until Opetaia ran into some power from Briedis and that really turned it into more of a slugfest.

Close and competitive. Back and forth in the 2nd half. Hats off to both guys.