In a rematch between former champions for the vacant IBF cruiserweight title, unbeaten Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) regained the belt with a twelve round unanimous decision over Mairis Briedis (28-3, 20 KOs) on Saturday night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Opetaia was in command for first five rounds, then broke the 39-year-old Briedis’ nose with a left hook in round six. Hopeless behind on the cards, Briedis rocked Opetaia in round ten and came on in the championship rounds. It was too little, too late, however. Scores were 117-111, 116-112, 116-112.
Opetaia previously won the IBF title against Briedis two years ago, but was forced to vacate the title to take a Saudi money fight rather than fighting the injured Briedis in a rematch. Briedis then had two IBF title fights fall through and Opetaia landed the shot to regain his old belt.
Good solid win but people need to calm down and stop acting like Opetaia is King Kong
You are completely correct and I’m guilty of doing that and I should stop.
Briedis came back strong at the end of the fight. He should have had a warm up fight and things could have been different for him this fight. Well done to Opetaia.
Briedes started connecting and his offensive a little too late.
Jai shows heart and a will to win
Breidis never an easy fight for anyone. His fight with Usyk was really close. Good win for Jai. He is really young and will improve immensely. Really talented, still a bit green. A win is a win