Poll - Who wins at Cruiserweight - Bivol or Opetaia?

Cruiser may be a bridge too far. Bivol even looks undersized at LHW. He would look tiny against Jai.

But Opetaia is wide open should Bivol survive (very competent defense) at that weight he shouldn't have trouble racking up the rounds.

 

Heart says Opeetaia , head says Bivol .

 

People continue to undersell Opetaia.

He literally ragdolls Bivol. Treats him like a redheaded stepchild.

 

As much as I like and rate Bivol, I think Jai is a bad match up for him.

Due to styles I give Beterbiev more chance against Opetaia, but would still take Jai to win, probably TKO's both in the later rounds.

That said, Jai did fade late in both fights against Breidis, which would give Beterbiev a chance.

I think he is too big AND skilled for both though.

 

Beterbiev does better against Jai but he is too old now and probably gets KOd

 

My thoughts as well....

 

Too small for Opetaia ? R u people serious ? Bivol would take Opetaias jab away and restrict him to lefts and uppercuts i think it's 50/50 but Bivol has never faced someone with footwork that complex which is the biggest unknown for me.

 

I'd prefer to see Beterbiev vs Opetaia.

 

Look at how Bivol was running and getting cut and busted up by Beterbiev in the 12th round of the rematch and ask yourself about how someone like him with no power does jumping up to CW against the best fighter there currently.

 

Bivol would love the idea of fighting Beterbiev again a year or two from now. Could backfire though if Bivol hits a wall at 35-36 himself.

 

Badou Jack is winnable for Bivol.

But there is a very big difference between Badou Jack and Jai Opetaia.

Bivol, I think is smart enough to stay in his lane.

 

Opetaia and Bivol in the last match were 25 pounds of difference (174 and 199), a light heavyweight and a cruiser, in 2006 between Hopkins and Haye there was the same weight difference, do you think Hopkins would have had a chance to beat Haye? Does Bivol have a chance to beat Opetaia? For me Bivol is a better boxer than Opetaia and, of course, 'Styles Make Fights', but 25 pounds of difference is not little, can Bivol take Opetaia's blows well? If Bivol takes 15 or more pounds will his footwork and his combinations be the same? For me, as of today, this is a fantasy match, two boxers of different weight categories.

I think the most likely opponents for Bivol are Beterbiev and Benavidez, while for Opetaia it is Zurdo Ramirez (or Dorticos if he beats Ramirez)

 

Bivol pulled a Morrison vs Foreman in the rematch. Purposely lowered his punch volume early and let Beterbiev lead so he would tire late in the fight. This strategy only works against older, slower opponents. He'd be in trouble against Opeitaia.

 

Haye lost at cruiserweight against mediocre, Hopkins has a chance