“I have earned my spot here and I deserve to be here.”
Australian boxing champion Jai Opetaia has opened up on his disappointment at losing his International Boxing Federation cruiserweight title ahead of his fight on December 23 against England’s Ellis Zorro.
Opetaiai will join boxing heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder on the Day of Reckoning Boxing Card which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After defeating then champion Mairis Briedis for the cruiserweight belt in 2022, Opetaia was ordered by the IBF to a rematch against Briedis for his mandatory title defence.
Despite Briedis reportedly being happy for Opetaia to fight Zorro first and Opetaia’s management lodging an appeal to allow the Zorro fight to happen, the IBF rejected the appeal and forced Opetaia to vacate his cruiserweight belt.
Speaking to SEN’s Jimmy Smith, Opetaia said it was an incredibly tough decision to walk away from his title but firmly believes his fight with Zorro will open up more possibilities for his career.
“It’s pretty frustrating that (the IBF) have forced me to (go down this path),” Opetaia told SEN.
“This platform and the fight night that I am a part of is a no-brainer. It’s going to open up a lot of doors and it’s a world title on its own.
“Briedis had two dates to fight (for the rematch) and he pulled out twice.
“I felt like this was an opportunity I couldn’t throw away to be on this card (and) the IBF are punishing me for it when the mandatories have pulled out.
“I can’t control (Briedis) and can’t make his decisions.
“(The Day of Reckoning) is the biggest boxing card in history and a young kid from the Central Coast is on here. I have earned my spot here and I deserve to be here.”
Opetaia will receive $670,000 for accepting the fight against Zorro and a further $2 million as part of a multi-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Opetaia said the cash reward was a big reason for accepting to enter the card in Saudi Arabia.
“We’re fighters and we like to win belts and fight for money,” Opetaia continued.
“Unfortunately for this upcoming fight, I had to pick one or the other.
“I’ve already won the belts and been a world champion. I woke up the next day and felt the same.
“This fight will make some changes. It’s a two-fight deal which is huge and Saudi Arabia have raised the bar and standards so I’m honoured to be a part of the development of the sport.
“I have tunnel vision just wanting to win this fight.”
Another contributing factor in Opetaia’s decision to forgeo his cruiserweight title was his incredible self-belief that his best is still yet to come for his career.
“I’m 28 and only just getting started,” he said.
“If you were to ask me 12 months ago that I’d be fighting in Saudi Arabia on the biggest card in history (I wouldn’t have believed you).
“We’re ticking boxes and we are getting s**t done.
“I’m 28 years old and I’ve still got so much in me.
“Whether the sanctioning bodies are on my side or not, I’m still going to get it done and they can’t stop me from reaching my full potential.
”It's exciting times for myself and Boxing Australia.
“I’ve earned this and this is my time.”
Opetaia’s fight with Zorro is scheduled for December 23 local time.
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