IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has established his training camp in London for the final stages of preparation. Opetaia is scheduled to go up against England’s Jack Massey in Riyadh on October 12 and returned to London for the press conference last week. Instead of enduring another 30-hour journey back to Australia, Opetaia and his … Read more
IBF World cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia today (July 25) launched a scathing attack on WBO titlist Chris Billam-Smith. Opetaia was a guest on DAZN’s coverage of the Justis Huni-Troy Pilcher fight card from Fortitude Valley in Australia. The spiky 29-year-old was asked how bad he wanted the unification fight against the Brit. “I’m ready for … Read more
THE career of Chris Billam-Smith is now reaching a stage of “making memories” according to the WBO cruiserweight champion. On Saturday night the 33-year-old retained his title to level the score at 1-1 in his rivalry with Richard Riakporhe five years on from their original encounter. Billam-Smith’s second defence was another big-time event outdoors at … Read more
By Elliot Worsell WHEN heavyweight Vladimir Virchis turned up in Northern Cyprus in the middle of the afternoon, he was drawn to the azure blue pool, glistening and inviting. The punishing mid-thirties heat led him to discover sun loungers surrounding the pool, seemingly anticipating his arrival. Without anyone to answer to, the Ukrainian did what … Read more
By Declan Taylor ALTHOUGH Jai Opetaia secured by far the most significant victory of his career to date in 2022, he might look back on 2023 as the year that everything changed. The 28-year-old scythed through Jordan Thompson in a little over three rounds in September and, just 12 weeks later, is back out with … Read more
By Declan Taylor JAI OPETAIA has warned Chris Billam-Smith to be wary of ‘old bull’ Mateusz Masternak – and hopes to fight the winner in February. Opetaia is currently in Australia preparing for his December 23 world title defense against Ellis Zorro in Riyadh. But the IBF champion will be keeping a close eye on … Read more
