Wed Oct 02 15:14:12 UTC 2024: ## IBF Cruiserweight Champion Opetaia Open to Challenges from Light Heavyweight Champions
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has expressed his openness to defending his title against either or both light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. This bold statement comes ahead of his own title defense against Jack Massey on the undercard of Beterbiev-Bivol on October 12th.
Opetaia, known for his Shakur Stevenson-esque in-and-out fighting style, believes a clash with Bivol would be a “chessmatch,” showcasing the technical aspects of the sport. He acknowledges the danger posed by Beterbiev’s aggressive “seek & destroy” style, but remains confident in his ability to outbox the Russian.
Beterbiev, who holds the WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles, is seen as the more likely candidate to move up in weight. A victory over Bivol on October 12th would leave the Russian with no other major contenders at 175 pounds, making a move to cruiserweight a logical next step. Moreover, Saudi boxing promoter His Excellency Turki Alalshikh could potentially orchestrate a fight between Opetaia and Beterbiev for one of his upcoming events.
Opetaia’s willingness to fight the light heavyweight champions highlights his desire to face the best in the world. While he recognizes his past struggles against aggressive fighters like Mairis Briedis, he insists that his new, more strategic approach has been honed through experience and allows him to “fight smart” and showcase his boxing abilities.
First Piper 