Jai Tapuloa Opetaia vs. David Kieran Nyika & Justis Pieter Huni vs. Shaun Potgieter RBR

Sure, that's all true - but still don't think anything in my post was inaccurate or hyperbolic.

Struggled and faded late perhaps, but still defeated Briedis twice - and that's with the Latvian being his first real world class step-up.

And yes, that's still his best opponent to date (and yes he was a little past his prime) - but the point stands that all his other challengers have been IBF top 15 when he fought them. Jordan Thompson actually lucked his way into a mandatory spot when Masternak and Riakporhe both withdrew from purse bids and Briedis himself was injured. Zorro was actually not ranked in the IBF system (I stand corrected there - it's actually why Opetaia had to vacate the belt and then capture it again in Briedis II) but was WBO & WBA #11. Massey was IBF ranked #10 in October, and so was Nyika this morning. All four got wrecked.

Again, like my earlier post said, he's well below the level Usyk was at CW - and he's clearly not without his flaws defensively (as Nyika managed to blacken / puff up both of his eyes in the less than four rounds they fought) - but I stand by his run of form since 2022 being impressive, and him being an excellent finisher.

 

Come now. Big Bear wouldn't have lasted three minutes, let alone been competitive as hell for three rounds.

 

I'll always respect the little madman for calling out middleweight champ Jermain Taylor in 100% seriousness.

 

Realistically, how many challenges are left at 200lbs?

Unification with Jack and GRS, sure. After that? Only real intrigue would be whether he manages to become first to knock out guys like Cieślak, Papin, CBS, Rozicki, etc. or have to settle for decision victories.

Then what? There's virtually no money to be made in the ghost town of Bridger, of course - but is heavyweight really a good idea for Opetaia? He is 6'2" and only rehydrates to about 210lbs, and is a tad soft looking for all that. Major question marks on how well his power will carry up to facing giants outweighing him by 3-4 stone, and how well he can take shots from them given how much he does get hit.

I think if he wants to stay at cruiser and get paid top dollar, there may be little choice but for him to surrender a bit of dignity and grovel for a Jake Paul date.