Jai Opetaia, the IBF cruiserweight champion, has given his two cents on the massive light-heavyweight showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol which is set to occur today. According to Opetaia, Beterbiev’s best shot at victory is by knockout, as he believes Bivol’s boxing skills will dominate if the fight goes to the scorecards.
Beterbiev, holding the IBF, WBO, and WBC titles, is known for his bone-crushing power, while Bivol, the WBA champ, gained worldwide recognition after outclassing Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2022. This fight isn’t just about belts but legacy - defining the best light-heavyweight of their era.
Opetaia, who defends his IBF cruiserweight title against Jack Massey on the same card, has been keeping a close eye on the main event. He broke down both fighters’ strengths, praising Bivol’s footwork and ability to maintain distance, while acknowledging Beterbiev’s undeniable power and ability to constantly pressure his opponent. “If it goes to the scorecards, Bivol’s got it, 100 percent,” said Opetaia. “But if Beterbiev lands one of his bombs, the fight could be over.”
As for the future, Opetaia isn’t ruling out a potential clash with the winner. Talks have been circulating about either Beterbiev or Bivol moving up to cruiserweight, and Opetaia is ready for the challenge if it happens. While his focus remains on collecting cruiserweight belts, he admits, “If one of those super fights pops up, we’ll take it.”
For Opetaia, it’s all about mastering the craft. “Boxing’s not just about punching; it’s about movement, footwork, and controlling the distance,” he said, pointing to Oleksandr Usyk as the perfect example of a fighter who has taken those skills to the top of the sport.
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Image Credit: Sky Sports