Jai Opetia needs to improve before Heavyweight jump

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Joeywill, Jan 8, 2025.


  1. Joeywill

    Joeywill Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Until Jai Opetaia starts jabbing and gets his defense better I don't feel comfortable picking him vs any legit heavyweight contender

    This fight vs Nyika showed me he will struggle vs taller fighters. His defense isn't good enough and he won't be able to slug it out in dogfights at heavyweight
     
  2. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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

    UniversalPart Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Someone like Dubois would kill him
     
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  4. Malph

    Malph Boxing Addict Full Member

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    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.
     
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  5. FrankinDallas

    FrankinDallas FRANKINAUSTIN

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

    TheWizard I Got Milk Baby Full Member

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    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.
     
  7. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    If he moves up it will be limited contender, maybe even a gatekeeper, followed by Usyk, followed possibly by Usyk rematch followed by cruiserweight. It'll be tightly controlled.
     
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  8. ipitythefool

    ipitythefool Prediction ? Pain Full Member

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    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.
     
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  9. DobyZhee

    DobyZhee Loyal Member

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  10. miniq

    miniq AJ IS A BODYBUILDING BUM Full Member

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    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.
     
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  11. DoctorJones

    DoctorJones Member Full Member

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

    KiwiMan Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    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 ...)
     
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  13. The Cryptkeeper

    The Cryptkeeper Well-Known Member Full Member

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    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.
     
  14. tarrant45

    tarrant45 Active Member Full Member

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    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.
     
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  15. Malph

    Malph Boxing Addict Full Member

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    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.
     
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