Oleksandr Usyk versus Jai Opetaia is a contest many would like to see.
It could theoretically take place at cruiserweight, where Usyk was undisputed champion and Opetaia is the current lineal ruler, or up at heavyweight, where the Ukrainian has also become the two-time undisputed champion, but Opetaia has not yet fought.
The Australian’s best wins so far have been two victories over Mairis Briedis, while he has also stopped Claudio Squeo, David Nyika and Jack Massey in his last three outings.
The 30-year-old has shown great power and plenty of athleticism in those fights, but would have to bulk up considerably if he were to take on the Ukraine great up in the top division, and that may take away some of his natural assets.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, the now happily retired Briedis gave his thoughts on the match-up.
“Opetaia-Usyk at heavyweight is a very difficult fight between two amazing champions, Usyk more experienced but isn’t so young. The fighter you’ll always lose to is father time.”
Briedis gave the now 38-year-old Usyk some of his toughest ever rounds in the boxing ring. They fought in 2018 when Briedis’s work rate put plenty of pressure on Usyk for the full 12 rounds, though he eventually lost on the cards.
The Ukrainian fought twice more at cruiserweight before moving up to dominate the heavyweight division and become a two-time undisputed champion.
He now has one or two fights left, and the likes of Opetaia, Moses Itauma and even Jake Paul have all been named as possible opponents, though right now nothing has been confirmed.
