Jai Opetaia's opponent is (very underwhelming)

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Scotty Cork, Nov 14, 2023.


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  1. thehook13

    thehook13 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Looks more of a matchroom exhibition type deal for him, there are other heavy mismatches on the card as well.

    It's surreal just to see Jai (rightfully) among all those Titans of the sport. Been a great ride following his career
     
    thehook13, Nov 15, 2023
    thehook13, Nov 15, 2023
    #16
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  2. CST80

    CST80 De Omnibus Dubitandum Staff Member

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    I like Noel a lot... but at this point, Opetaia probably beats him too.
     
    CST80, Nov 16, 2023
    CST80, Nov 16, 2023
    #17
  3. ipswich express

    ipswich express Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I can confirm that Opetaia had absolutely no say in the opponent. It was presented to his team and the purse (his career best by a long way) meant it was a no brainer. Briedis is still injured though the purse bid is going ahead on Nov 21. I can also confirm that will be split 80/20 in favour of Jai.
     
    ipswich express, Nov 16, 2023
    ipswich express, Nov 16, 2023
    #18
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  4. like a boss

    like a boss Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    'Absolutely no say' and 'a no brainer' are two different things. Which one was it?
     
    like a boss, Nov 16, 2023
    like a boss, Nov 16, 2023
    #19
  5. Diagoras

    Diagoras Active Member Full Member

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    On the offer to be part of this card out of the blue

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    On the Briedis rematch, he suggests Feb (if that is true, is there a possibility that it will be added to the Fury vs Usyk card?)

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    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    #20
  6. Diagoras

    Diagoras Active Member Full Member

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    In this interview he says they did ask for Briedis for the 23rd but Briedis (timestamp 4:05) said he wouldn't be ready by then. I don't think Briedis is avoiding him but since this is all short notice, he really might not be ready by 23rd

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    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    #21
  7. Diagoras

    Diagoras Active Member Full Member

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    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    #22
  8. ipswich express

    ipswich express Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    No, it was exactly that. He had no say in the choice of opponent. The risk/reward meant it was a no-brainer to accept the offer.
     
    ipswich express, Nov 16, 2023
    ipswich express, Nov 16, 2023
    #23
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  9. Diagoras

    Diagoras Active Member Full Member

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    Longer interview where he again says he thought it would be Briedis for 23rd but Briedis wasn't ready & he was offered Zorro & he took it

    He again says that they are hoping to make the Briedis rematch happen in Feb

    Good decision by Jai because this is a card filled with big names, he will keep active & get his name out there
     
    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    Diagoras, Nov 16, 2023
    #24
    Serge likes this.
  10. Serge

    Serge Ginger Dracula Staff Member

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    Zorro is fairly slick and like I said he can crack. Neither will be enough to save his ass from getting battered and blasted out in the first half of the fight or earlier though if Jai wants him out of there early.

    But I'd rather see the Jordan Thompson rematch for this date. I think a switched on Thompson has his number
     
    Serge, Nov 16, 2023
    Serge, Nov 16, 2023
    #25
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  11. Sandman_

    Sandman_ Undisputed Full Member

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    Nice to see Jai being looked after by being given a chance to build some momentum coming off a serious injury. Didn't think that would happen when he signed with an international promoter but like I said, nice to see them doing good things for him. Pleasantly surprised which is a rarity in this game.
     
    Sandman_, Nov 16, 2023
    Sandman_, Nov 16, 2023
    #26
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  12. Wizbit1013

    Wizbit1013 Drama go, and don't come back Full Member

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    Just you wait until we set our Okolipuss on him :jump1:
     
    Wizbit1013, Nov 16, 2023
    Wizbit1013, Nov 16, 2023
    #27
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  13. like a boss

    like a boss Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Negotiations between Opetaia and Briedis for the rematch broke down and Briedis' did not object to Opetaia taking the Zorro fight. However, the condition was that their rematch would still occur within the assigned mandatory period.

    So, provided Opetaia wins, it is the Briedis rematch next.
     
    like a boss, Nov 21, 2023
    like a boss, Nov 21, 2023
    #28
    MidniteProwler likes this.
  14. Serge

    Serge Ginger Dracula Staff Member

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    That's a big ''if'' though. As good as Jai is, it's one hell of a tall order to beat two undefeated Brits back to back. Truth be told, he might have jumped out of the frying pan into the fire when he ducked the Jordan Thompson rematch
     
    Serge, Nov 21, 2023
    Serge, Nov 21, 2023
    #29
    Wizbit1013 likes this.
  15. Limerickbox

    Limerickbox Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I saw Zorro against Burton.

    Hes no joke, but if Opetai is legitimately a potential P4P type guy, then he shouldn't have too much hassle run this fight
     
    Limerickbox, Nov 21, 2023
    Limerickbox, Nov 21, 2023
    #30
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