Jai Opetaia Wins Mairis Briedis Rematch by Unanimous Decision
Overcoming some troublesome moments in the late rounds, New Zealand’s Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19KO) boxed his way to a unanimous decision win (117-111, 116-112, 116-112) in a rematch against Mairis Briedis to capture the vacant IBF cruiserweight title.
Opetaia used his right jab and some timely counters to win the early rounds. Briedis tried to rough things up whenever he got in close. But the 39-year-old had trouble letting the shots go. In round six, a straight left hand from Opetaia caused blood to pour from the nose of Briedis.
Opetaia continued to fight behind the southpaw jab and score from distance and on the inside. But in the last minute of round ten, he was buckled from a Briedis uppercut to the nose. With Opetaia suddenly bleeding from the nose, Briedis poured on the pressure in the championship rounds. However, Opetaia went into survival mode, moving just enough to last to the final bell.
With the win, Opetaia is now a two-time IBF champion. In the post-fight interview, he said he wants to win the WBO cruiserweight strap.
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