By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
IBF cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) will defend his world title against undefeated mandatory challenger Jai Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs) on Wednesday May 11 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. The fight was originally scheduled for April 6 but was pushed back after Briedis contracted Covid. This will be the first world title bout to be held in Australia since Jeff Horn defended his crown against Gary Corcoran just over five years ago in Brisbane. Promoter is Dean Lonergan for D and L Events in association with Wasserman Boxing. This will be the first world title bout to be held in Australia since Jeff Horn defended his crown against Gary Corcoran just over five years ago in Brisbane.
Briedis is an excellent fighter, his only loss is in the closest fight Uzyk ever fought. I give him the edge in this one.
I agree with you and he’s probably one of the best 12ish best fighters in the world. I think Opetaia would make for a good champion. He’s a puncher and he’s 11 years younger than Briedis, but I don’t think he’s the guy to send Briedis on his way just yet.
Briedis is one tough cookie. Usyk looked winded in the 12th but he looked like he could have gone 3 more rounds.