Ring journal cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia. (Photograph by Richard Pelham/Getty Photographs)
Ring Journal and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) has supplied a scathing evaluation of why a unification bout in opposition to WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith has not come to fruition.
The 29-year-old Australian southpaw has made it clear he needs all of the belts ever since he overcame a double fracture to his jaw to dethrone Ring champion Mairis Briedis (28-3, 20 KOs) by way of unanimous resolution two years in the past.
England’s Billam-Smith, 33, gained the WBO strap with a majority resolution victory over Lawrence Okolie (20-1, 15 KOs) in an unpleasant combat in Might final 12 months. He has since spoken of his personal want for unification bouts, together with in opposition to Opetaia as lately as early June, however newest reviews have linked him to a bout in opposition to WBA titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs).
It has left Opetaia in a irritating place as he continues to search for an acceptable dance accomplice who can convey out his greatness.
Opetaia didn’t sound hopeful when he was interviewed at ringside on Thursday evening throughout DAZN’s protection of the Justis Huni versus Troy Pilcher combat in Brisbane in regards to the potential of a Billam-Smith bout. He even supplied up $250,000 of his personal cash to Billam-Smith to get the combat made.
“I’m prepared for that combat,” Opetaia stated.
“They’ve been going over saying they’re ready for negotiations and shit. It’s fucking bullshit. He don’t need that combat.
“It’s simple finished. He’d get the most important paycheck he’s ever had. He’ll be on the most important stage he’s ever been on. It’s a no brainer to take, however the one motive they wouldn’t take it’s in the event that they’re ducking.
“The supply’s there, we’ve made the supply. If he’s not taking it, he’s ducking the combat.”
Opetaia’s supervisor, Mick Francis, is equally bemused by Billam-Smith’s obvious reluctance to face his fighter.
“Jai needs to get this combat made greater than the rest,” stated Francis.
“However we’ve heard nothing however crickets because the supply went by way of. It looks like Billam-Smith is likely to be seeking to go to America to combat as an alternative. Ben Shalom’s boxers have a historical past of ducking Jai, so we’re not stunned.
“Jai needs to combat the very best there’s and Chris is making excuses about eager to field in America as an alternative. This narrative began within the post-fight interview after he beat Richard Riakporhe and it hasn’t stopped.”
Days out from his title protection in opposition to Riakporhe (17-1, 13 KOs) early final month, Billam-Smith made all the proper noises when requested about an Opetaia matchup, however with one caveat – the Aussie would wish to choose up extra {hardware} first.
“I feel it’s the most important combat within the division for the time being,” Billam-Smith advised Sky Sports activities. “It might be nice to get that combat finished. It might be wonderful if we might do it for an undisputed world title, for all 4 of the belts.
“I feel that’s the massive one. I’ve received a job to do, however down the road, positively, it’s an enormous combat and the most important combat within the division.
“He ticks numerous bins; he’s received good footwork, actually good timing, good pace, good shot choice there. He’s tremendous powerful as nicely, clearly – you’ve seen him combat with a damaged jaw.
“He’s a very, actually gifted fighter and, like I stated, ticks numerous bins. So it will be nice if we might combat down the road.”
Opetaia is itching to get again within the ring following his second factors win over Latvian veteran Briedis in Saudi Arabia in Might.
Talking instantly after the combat, Opetaia made it clear who he wished his subsequent opponent to be.
“I need the WBO subsequent,” he stated. “I need the winner of Chris Billam-Smith and [Richard Riakporhe], and after that we’re gonna accumulate the remainder.”
As of proper now, that bout is unlikely to occur any time quickly.
Jai Opetaia: The Combating Fisherman
Australian-based boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has been masking the game for over 20 years for numerous print and on-line publications.
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