Jai Opetia needs to improve before Heavyweight jump

Point taken, I would expect him to tighten up his defense some against legit heavyweights but the question as always is---Can he?

 

Someone like Dubois would kill him

 

Well the time for him to learn is now.

He is a good raw talent but needs more development and experience.

Put him in with different styles and let him develop his game.

Don't turn him into another poor Tim Tysyu.

 

I agree with respect to his defence. Those some punches from a HW might be a KO.

 

To add to that he also doesn't look like the biggest cruiserweight frame-wise. That might be a problem when he moves up.

Usyk's frame for example is a good bit bigger than his, despite also being a former cruiserweight.

Still want to see him move up though. He's fast, very powerful and has fantastic offensive skills. But does need better defense.

 

Totally agree with op. He's a fun fighter to watch but with his open approach and limited reach i think he's a ko waiting to happen when mixing with the bigger boys. Nikyka tagged him a few times.

He also may slow down a little when moving up and speed is critical for his style.

But i'd like to see him try. But after beating Ramirez.

 

This content is protected

 

No cruiserweight just moves up to HW and competes

People too high after Usyk. Usyk is a one off. Throw Jai in with majority of the top 10 right now he lasts about 2 rounds. Sure that's not fair because Usyk has had years to adapt to HW but Jai will never have a radar inbetween a gap in his teeth like Usyk. He does seem to be tough enough though.

If I were him i'd go for the money and yes that means up to HW. Do it properly and just don't go near the retiring generation. He needs 3/4 years i'd say....anything can happen to the sport in that time. Saudi's could easily pull their funding.

 

And Jack Massey was still on his feet after 12 rounds with Parker
Look at him after 6 rounds with Opetaia

 

Historically the top cruiserweight moving up should at least be a contender, and I'm sure Jai would be.

I'd strongly favour him against everyone below #8 Kabayek in ESPN's heavyweight rankings.
(9 is Millar, 10 is Ruiz Jr ...)

 

I’d be pretty confident he’d beat Parker. And that alone makes him a viable HW contender.

People saying his chin might be suspect are clutching at straws. Briedis went life and death with Opetaia for 24 rounds and Opetaia was never sat down. His chin is fantastic.

He’ll beat Zurdo and then it’s game on at HW.

 

Usyk has a HW frame (which many seem to ignore), he was always much bigger than his CW opponents, very thick broad shoulders. Jai does not have a HW frame, but could make some noise there imo with his speed and skill. Jai has fast hands and feet with power, and thats always a dangerous combination.

 

Cruiserweight is a lean division right now. Let him clean it up. Develop. Learn.

He's obviously a powerful guy that comes to fight but he probably won't be overpowering everyone at HW.

He better develop those boxing skills if he wants to campaign at HW.