Comparing the careers of Murat Gassiev and Jai Opetaia

You have take in consideration when both fought. Gassiev fought in the 2010's - which was a golden era for the cruiserweight division. There were more fighters and better opportunites (WBSS). I don't think Opetaia's career is that mismanaged. He has defended the lineal title eight times (nine if he beats Gevor (yes he lists himself as Noel Mikaelian, but he will always be Noel Gevor for me (enough brackets). If the Benavidez fight does happen, it will be his shot to kick him to stardom and cement his legacy.

 

Jai has fought in Australia for most of his career with no money behind him. So that in itself has been a limiting factor in his career thus far. But I think the best is yet to come. As to what's already been, the two wins against Briedis were against a top-notch opponent (albeit an old one). It's never mentioned, but knocking over an undefeated Olympic medalist is a decent win also. Particularly if that medalist goes on & wins a world title (which he could in his next fight). Opetaia fights the two-time reigning WBC champ next weekend. That will be a good win if he registers it. Pretty good chance Benavidez will follow b/c the Benavidez camp actually seems to want the fight. If the fighters' want it, Turki can make it happen. There's also a chance that the winner of Opetaia v Benavidez gets Usyk. Don't rule that out.

As for Gassiev, can I begin by saying I have nothing against fighters of Russian origin. Kostya Tszyu is my equal all-time favourite. I thought Gassiev's performance against Usyk for Undisputed was woeful. He didn't fire a shot. He looked like a guy who was physically strong & could punch but who was extremely limited skills-wise. Okay, he's won a belt at Heavyweight but I'm not really sure he's actually a player there. Cruisers coming up who rely exclusively on punching power & physical strength aren't going to cut it against bigger, stronger guys. Cruisers with speed & skill can.

I'd say if Opetaia faces & defeats Noel Mikaelian & David Benavidez in his next two he will be remembered as a better Cruiser than Gassiev ever was. He will have proven he's the best in the division which Gassiev never did. What they each do at Heavyweight may also have a bearing on how you assess them but I think it's a bit early to be drawing conclusions there in relation to either of them.

 

Not just an Olympian, an undefeated Olympic medalist at the time. How many of those did Gassiev beat?

If that medalist becomes IBF champ next fight, Opetaia's stock goes up (imo).

Opetaia had him out for five minutes after 4 rounds.

 

Opetai more skilled but has not really faced anyone. He has been avoided. Zurdo avoided him. There is no doubt in my mind after the Benavides fight. As did the other champs. I think his team is also to blame.

But at this point Gassiev has done more.

 

The guy was an Olympic medalist & two-time Commonwealth games Gold medalist, how many did he need?

If we're comparing CV's currently between Gassiev & Opetaia, let's also acknowledge that Jai qualified for an Olympics as a 16 year old. Lost 12-11 at the Olympics as a 17 year old to a guy who made the final of the World Championships the previous year against Usyk.

I appreciate that not everyone wants to take into account Olympic pedigree when assessing fighters but I think achievements there are indicative of a fighter's skill level (if not determinative). My assessment of Gassiev is that he's lacking quite a bit in the skills department.

 

I have been

I have been critical of Opetaias decision not to move up. But there is a difference: Opetaia is avoided at cruiser. Ramirez didn’t want it. Benavidez may or may not agree to fifth Jai

At cruiser, who ducked Gassiev? People were willing to fight him.

I also don’t think Jai gets swept 12-0 vs Usyk. Opetaia loses to cruiser Usyk but likely wins a few rounds and gives a good account of himself.

Opetaia may not have accomplished as much but unlike Gassiev, he was never given the chance to be undisputed.