Comments Thread For: Jai Opetaia rules out move to heavyweight; expects Moses Itauma to reach the top

[BoxingUpdates]

Leading cruiserweight titlist Jai Opetaia is among the names of potential opponents for world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainians rematch victory over Tyson Fury but the Aussie has identified Moses Itauma as the future of the division.
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[BrankoB]

I have seen a few interviews with Jai before the Fury Usyk fight and even though he was in Tyson's camp he was always backing Usyk to win. He never really praised Fury the way he talks about Moses. I remember thinking it was strange - usually sparring partners are hyping their guy before a major fight, but Jai refused to do so. He didn't say anything negative but that is what I took from his interviews - that Fury no longer a major force he used to be.

[PBR Streetgang]

I have seen a few interviews with Jai before the Fury Usyk fight and even though he was in Tyson's camp he was always backing Usyk to win. He never really praised Fury the way he talks about Moses. I remember thinking it was strange - usually sparring partners are hyping their guy before a major fight, but Jai refused to do so. He didn't say anything negative but that is what I took from his interviews - that Fury no longer a major force he used to be.

Good insight!

[Left Hook Louie]

Jai is good for boxing.
I hope he stays below HW for the long term and brings more attention and talent to Cruiserweight (and Bridgerweight if that happens for him).
On the other hand, we've seen how Usyk was able to jump to HW and become a potential ATG in the process. Not predicting Jai can accomplish all what Usyk has, just acknowledging the possibility. Whatever the future holds for Opetaia, I'll be paying attention.

[VislorTurlough]

The money potential will likely make him jump to HW in next 24 months

[Butt stuff]

Time to cue the articles – "will moving back down to Cruiserweight, after years at Heavyweight, drain Usyk? will his craftiness and experience out manoeuvre the youth and speed of Opetaia? Is Opetaia too green for the best of this generation?"

[anonymous2.0]

I have seen a few interviews with Jai before the Fury Usyk fight and even though he was in Tyson's camp he was always backing Usyk to win. He never really praised Fury the way he talks about Moses. I remember thinking it was strange - usually sparring partners are hyping their guy before a major fight, but Jai refused to do so. He didn't say anything negative but that is what I took from his interviews - that Fury no longer a major force he used to be.

Didn't Jai get sent home early from the Fury camp for the first Usyk fight?

[dan_cov]

Didn't Jai get sent home early from the Fury camp for the first Usyk fight?

He left as he was preparing for a fight himself (rematch with Breidis) so it made no sense to be sparring a 6'9 HW.
There was strong rumours circulating that Jai was messing Fury up and got kicked out of camp though.

[Corelone]

Not just Aussies, but many people follow names and Jr's while the gorillas in the room fly under the radar. If Tszue hadn't got obliterated Jai's opinion wouldn't be worth spit. He got the cold shoulder until then and he is a real threat.

[Corelone]

This is what humility looks like. He takes care of his business and praises others.