Jai Opetaia Ready to Prove Dominant Over Jordan Thompson
Australia’s Jai Opetaia (22-0, 17 KOs) will defend the IBF cruiserweight title against England’s Jordan “Troublesome” Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs) on September 30 at OVO Arena Wembley in London, England. The defending champion is itching to get back into the ring.
READY TO UNLEASH
Opetaia won the IBF title in July 2022 when he defeated Mairis Briedis by unanimous decision. But he’s been out of the ring since because of a broken jaw suffered the win against Briedis. The cruiserweight champion also went through a tough legal battle with his former promoter, Dan Lonergan. Speaking to the boxing press in his home country of Australia, the IBF champion talked about how excited he is to fight again.
“I’ve been ready for a long time. I waited patiently. I’ve been in this gym just grinding every day, locked in, just waiting for the opportunity to show who the best cruiserweight is, and on September 30, we remind everyone.”
Finalizing an opponent was a frustrating process for Opetaia. Mateusz Masternak, and current number-one-ranked cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe said “no” to a fight with the defending champion. The Aussie said that has only fueled his fire.
Thompson is a big puncher who has won seven of his last eight fights by stoppage. When asked what he expects from his opponent, Opetaia said he’s prepared for whatever the Brit brings to the ring and will take care of business on fight night.
“We’re ready for twelve rounds of war. He wants to box out at long (range) we’re fit enough to do that. He wants to come in and bang, I got some bombs ready for him, and I’m fit enough to do it for twelve hard rounds.
I feel like I’ve got an answer for everything he’s got. I’ve got more ammunition than he does. I’m ready.”
