Australian Boxing/SM Memorial thread

A couple of quick thoughts on Jai Opetaia's next move.

He's a fast healer but I'd like to see him stay local for his first title defence. Undefeated Jason Whateley fights tall & long & would be a great preparation for a fight with Lawrence Okolie next up after that. I think it would be prudent to test out the jaw & make sure everything's working as it's supposed to after an enforced layoff by fighting at home for one more.

I support Jai doing the unification fight with Okolie sooner rather than later & in the UK after that. The kid needs to get paid.

They should try to get David Nyika for sparring for both fights if he's available.

 

I agree Jase seems the natural choice for the first defence.

Imagine it would be an easy fight to make.

Jason might be significantly slower and look a bit ungainly but I would be considering my options carefully after such a bad injury if I was team Opetaia. Because home boi can punch and they know first hand about that.

David Light as a first or second defence would be a great choice too, as you previously mentioned Sandman.

Two mouthwatering fights close to home that I can't see any major hurdles in making. Would help Jai's profile immensely at home and over the ditch. Huni co-headlining would be a good way for him to continue building himself up.

 

Whateley is fighting Masternak next. Will be announced shortly.

 

Tough tough fight against harden vet.

 

Masternak is at #5 in the IBF rankings & Jason Whateley is at #8. The winner would likely be the new IBF #1 with Jai now the champ.

 

* Haney " Oct i ' m back . "
* Tszyu being offered Oct/ Nov / Dec for Charlo fight .
* Jayde Mitchell says Brock Jarvis had 2 % BF for last fight and will be vastly improved at 140 lbs .
* Lonegran " I will not put Jai in the ring with a beast like Briedis ever again . "
* Victor Ngabe hoping to fight Sept .
* Chisora vs Pulev 2 live on Fox 505 Sun.

 

We haven't heard from the Outlaw @JOSEY WALES on Jai's performance yet. He was always one of Jai's best supporters on here from way back.

I hope he's had a chance to see the fight & would be interested in his thoughts on where to next for the young bloke. Hopefully not a trip to the UK immediately next up!

 

He is probably busy folding his swimming trunks for his annual Greek vacation.

Whilst we freeze and tread water Sandman.

 

Lads what fantastic news from down under Jai has a massive ticker and a set of stones on him I was hoping he wouldn't get too much of a pasting and there would be a strongg ref appointed for Jai to learn from a mid round stoppage , ( well what do I know aye) congratulations to the young fella and I'm totally buzzing for you all , what a time to be an Aussie boxing fan .
Ps
The kid needs to take a long lay off for his jaw to recover correctly mate or his career will be over , talk about a stop start career poor bas dart .

 

True WAR I've even been back training , let's just say I'm down to cruiser from a big heavy and the budgie smugglers are packed .

 

Good performance from Opetaia even though I scored it for Briedis I thought it was a great fight. Disappointing if there is no rematch I certainly think that Briedis deserves one.

 

Totally agree MP but a " well deserved " rematch will probably be out of the running now mate sadly what with Briedis age and the lengthy lay off and warm up fight heading Jai's way , I see the jaw getting the full year treatment and a warm up fight on the horizon for tge young bloke before a unification with Lawrence Okolie, marry the IBF & WBO like

 

Actually somewhat surprised there wasn't one included in the contract considering the Lonergan moaned about how difficult the negotiations were and Breidis has some pretty heavy European backers.

 

Don't forget your Nana Mouskouri beach towel.