Jai Opetaia has won many plaudits in boxing following his impressive run but any comparisons to Oleksandr Usyk are wide of the mark.
That’s the verdict of Chris Billam-Smith who is targeting a future showdown with the Australian fighter as part of his plans to rule the cruiserweight division.
- Read next | 'It's a fight that I'll be chasing' - Jai Opetaia outlines plans to face former undisputed champion
Next up for Opetaia is a showdown against Britain’s Jack Massey, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View as part of the huge Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol show, and a win could pave the way for a fight with Billam-Smith.
Opetaia’s impressive form has many believing he can dominate at heavyweight in the future, but Billam-Smith isn’t convinced at this point.
Next month, Billam-Smith will have the opportunity to demonstrate his dominance at cruiserweight when he looks to unify against Gilberto Ramirez.
Victory over the brilliant Mexican is certain to be the platform for bigger fights for Billam Smith, and that could mean a battle with Opetaia, as long as he gets past Massey.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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“He’s super talented, Opetaia. He does a lot of things really well. He’s got quick hands, good feet, good shot selection, and can punch,” said Billam-Smith when speaking to Seconds Out .
“I think people that are saying he’s like the next Usyk, which I don’t agree with. I think Usyk is a much, much better fighter than Opetaia.
“I think Briedis had a long layoff before the first fight [with Opetaia] and had a long layoff for the second fight, coming towards the end of his career, but showed glimpses of what you could do.”
DAZNWatch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and huge undercard on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol and the full fight card on October 12 on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clark, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers. To purchase and find the prices in your region click here.
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