By: Sean Crose
He’s only lost once before – and that’s none other than world heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk. Therefore, there is little doubt that Mairis Briedis will win his IBF cruiser weightlifting on Saturday against Jai Opetaia. Australia’s Opetaia may have fought for the title in his home country, but most feel the 21-0 candidate will not get past Breidis 28-1.
The first round saw Opetaia boxing well while Breidis looked a bit sloppy. Perhaps surprisingly, south Opetaia looked even better in the second as he fired and effectively grounded. By the third round, Breidis was starting to look like the stronger of the two. The referee had no problem with the warriors taking part inside, a decision that could benefit Breidis. However, the fourth proved to be an impressive one for Opetaia, who has outdone and outplayed his man, seemingly disappointing the Latvian title player.
The fifth was Opetaia, who showed dizzying speed and who combined his punches brilliantly when Breidis’ face started to get really bloody. Only in the last second or two can the defending champion take down the opponent forcefully and effectively. Season six is all about Opetaia’s Southpaw punch and his footwork. Yes, Breidis could land at any moment, but the hoop belongs to the sleek Aussie. Breidis, however, had a better Saturday. He may not have done enough to win the chapter, but he certainly entered the fight.
Things could have really turned around in season eight, when the stronger Breidis established herself, attacking her man and keeping Opetaia from letting him out of the way. Opetaia reasserted itself in the ninth minute, simply by drawing a faster draw. Season ten is near, with Breidis having more moments of show due to the power of his punches. The pace was slower in the first half, as both men were clearly exhausted. Opetaia went down (and then got up) after a jolt in the twelfth and final round, as Breidis spent the entire chapter trying to land cleanly.
Opetaia won the unanimous decision victory, as well as the title of IBF cruiser.
