Jesus. The divison is wide open. Why did he sign with Zuffa? Opetaia has more than enough skill, speed and power to pick up a belt at heavy. He must be so disappointed right now.
Jake Paul will defeat Gassiev via dubious knee injury to become a world champion. That's how open it is. Actually, Paul may just beat Gassiev legitimately.
Bad career choices and Jai Opetaia are as good a pair as bread and butter; he is like the Fernando Alonso of boxing, just minus all the initial success. If Opetaia hadn't signed for Zuffa his next choice was probably to move down to middleweight and sign for Don King.
Opetaia is lined up face Benavidez, May 2027 no? Either way I'm sure with the money he has he's not kicking himself, he can pay people to kick him.
Don't think so. He's earning far more now than he ever did with Slow Eddie. Turki will likely get him the Benavidez fight next up after Mikaelian. I wonder if the sanctioning bodies will all want to strip Benavidez if he elects to fight Opetaia? Somehow, I doubt it.
Gassiev polaxing Paul would be epic. But couldn't get behind a fight like that if a belt were behind it.
Yes, Benavidez has said he wants to face Opetaia next May, but we all know it will be very difficult (if not impossible) to organize this highly anticipated fight if Dana White continues his stupid policy towards the four major world titles. And it's a real shame that a great fighter like Opetaia hasn't fought against the best in the division. Since winning the IBF world title against Briedis, Opetaia has only faced second-tier fighters (aside from the rematch with Briedis). It's a shame, a real shame. Let's hope the Benavidez-Opetaia matchup becomes a reality.
Opetaia will be tiny at heavyweight, and he has literally had chin cracked twice now at Cruiser. He is skilled, athletic and has speed, but a heavyweight run will be a tall order for him. Opetaia will undoubtedly move up, but it will be in the twilight of his career.
I would think that goes without saying but are they actually barring him from fighters outside of their realm?
Yes, and? He struggles at cruiser, and he would struggle even more at heavy. My point is that the fights at heavyweight would be too grueling for him to have a long run at the division, at least a successful one. I don´t doubt that he could become a champion, I just don´t expect him to be able to deal with the punishment for long.
