Australia’s Jai Opetaia is being backed to regain his IBF cruiserweight title while also earning an estimated $2 million in Saudi Arabian purses, thanks to a new attitude accompanying his rise to world champion.
On the eve of his own appearance on Sunday’s blockbuster Day of Reckoning card, New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker is tipping Opetaia to regain cruiserweight gold “easily” in 2024.
Better, Parker insists it will come while the 28-year-old also grabs some $2 million now available to him in projected fight purses.
Currently on a run of three straight wins, Parker is set to face famed American puncher Deontay Wilder on the stacked Middle Eastern card set to be headlined by Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin.
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On the same event, Opetaia is pressing ahead with his decision to face Englishman Ellis Zorro for “life changing” money, a call which has seen the reigning IBF champ vacate before being stripped of his gold strap.
IBF executives had wanted the Central Coast product to take a mandatory title defence against Mairis Briedis.
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Asked about the decision to strip him this week, Opetaia said: “It’s bulls…, it’s f…ing not right.
“But I’m not going to sit here and sook.
“I’m going to get a job done … (and) when that one is done, we’re going to get another job done.
“The belts will come back. They have to. They can’t deny me.”
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Parker agrees.
Speaking with Main Event’s Ben Damon, the Kiwi said of Opetaia: “I know he’s mentally tough, Jai.
“And the more I speak to him, the more he … I know it must be hard for him to lose the belt.
“But also when you look at it, you have to fight for your family and fight for yourself and the other aspects, like the money side of things.
“So taking the belt off him, he’s easily going to get it back.
“He’s the best in the world.”
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Quizzed on his attitude, Parker agreed Opetaia had a new demeanour since becoming world champion.
“I said (this week) how are you feeling and he said ‘ready … ready to smash him in the face’,” he laughed.
“There is no leading into it.
“He’s ready for it all.”
Elsewhere, Parker revealed his own camp had been heavily aided by good mate and regular sparring partner, WBC champ Tyson Fury – who has fought Wilder three times, earning two wins and a split decision draw.
“Andy Lee being head trainer has done a lot of study,” Parker said.
“And he’s put together a game plan that we believe is going to take the fight and get the win.
“But in saying that, Tyson Fury has been the only man to fight him three times and beat him, knocked him out … so he’s been very helpful.
“We’ve been able to link up and have a chat about things he thinks will be able to help.
“And he’s given me some invaluable rounds of sparring.
“So I’m also thankful for Tyson for his time and his help with advice.”
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“The key advice was stay away from the right hand,” the heavyweight added. “I said ‘thank you’.
“I see it that a lot of people go into the fight scared, worried to be hit.
“And obviously in the fight there are times where you’re going to be hit.
“Times you’re going to get punched in the face, punched wherever.
“But it’s about going into this fight being more calculated, being more deliberate with punches and placement.
“Like Andy told me, you have to be aware, eyes open for every second, of every minute of every round.
“And the only way to do that is practice. Practice on the pads, practice on the bag, practice in sparring.
“And I couldn’t have done any more.
“Now I have to take all that and put it right on fight night.”
Boxing: Day of Reckoning SUN 24th DEC 3AM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
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