Ring journal cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia. (Picture by Richard Pelham/Getty Photos)
Ring Journal and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) has provided a scathing evaluation of why a unification bout in opposition to WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith has not come to fruition.
The 29-year-old Australian southpaw has made it clear he needs all of the belts ever since he overcame a double fracture to his jaw to dethrone Ring champion Mairis Briedis (28-3, 20 KOs) by way of unanimous determination two years in the past.
England’s Billam-Smith, 33, gained the WBO strap with a majority determination victory over Lawrence Okolie (20-1, 15 KOs) in an unpleasant combat in Might final 12 months. He has since spoken of his personal need for unification bouts, together with in opposition to Opetaia as not too long ago as early June, however newest studies have linked him to a bout in opposition to WBA titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs).
It has left Opetaia in a irritating place as he continues to search for an acceptable dance associate who can convey out his greatness.
Opetaia didn’t sound hopeful when he was interviewed at ringside on Thursday night time throughout DAZN’s protection of the Justis Huni versus Troy Pilcher combat in Brisbane in regards to the potential of a Billam-Smith bout. He even provided up $250,000 of his personal cash to Billam-Smith to get the combat made.
“I’m prepared for that combat,” Opetaia mentioned.
“They’ve been going over saying they’re ready for negotiations and shit. It’s fucking bullshit. He don’t need that combat.
“It’s straightforward completed. He’d get the largest paycheck he’s ever had. He’ll be on the largest stage he’s ever been on. It’s a no brainer to take, however the one cause they wouldn’t take it’s in the event that they’re ducking.
“The provide’s there, we’ve made the provide. If he’s not taking it, he’s ducking the combat.”
Opetaia’s supervisor, Mick Francis, is equally bemused by Billam-Smith’s obvious reluctance to face his fighter.
“Jai needs to get this combat made greater than anything,” mentioned Francis.
“However we’ve heard nothing however crickets for the reason that provide went by means of. It looks as if Billam-Smith is likely to be seeking to go to America to combat as an alternative. Ben Shalom’s boxers have a historical past of ducking Jai, so we’re not stunned.
“Jai needs to combat the very best there may be and Chris is making excuses about desirous to field in America as an alternative. This narrative began within the post-fight interview after he beat Richard Riakporhe and it hasn’t stopped.”
Days out from his title protection in opposition to Riakporhe (17-1, 13 KOs) early final month, Billam-Smith made all the fitting noises when requested about an Opetaia matchup, however with one caveat – the Aussie would want to choose up extra {hardware} first.
“I feel it’s the largest combat within the division in the meanwhile,” Billam-Smith advised Sky Sports activities. “It will be nice to get that combat completed. It will be superb if we may do it for an undisputed world title, for all 4 of the belts.
“I feel that’s the large one. I’ve received a job to do, however down the road, positively, it’s an enormous combat and the largest combat within the division.
“He ticks numerous containers; he’s received good footwork, actually good timing, good pace, good shot choice there. He’s tremendous robust as effectively, clearly – you’ve seen him combat with a damaged jaw.
“He’s a extremely, actually proficient fighter and, like I mentioned, ticks numerous containers. So it could be nice if we may combat down the road.”
Opetaia is itching to get again within the ring following his second factors win over Latvian veteran Briedis in Saudi Arabia in Might.
Talking instantly after the combat, Opetaia made it clear who he needed his subsequent opponent to be.
“I need the WBO subsequent,” he mentioned. “I need the winner of Chris Billam-Smith and [Richard Riakporhe], and after that we’re gonna gather the remainder.”
As of proper now, that bout is unlikely to occur any time quickly.
Jai Opetaia: The Preventing Fisherman
Australian-based boxing journalist Anthony Cocks has been protecting the game for over 20 years for varied print and on-line publications.
