By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (22-0, 17 KOs) is having a shoulder operation soon and will be finalizing details of his first world title defense against the IBF mandatory contender Mateusz Masternak (47-5, 31 KOs).
“We have finally pinpointed the problem and now have another surgery to get done,” Opetaia told the Samoan Global News. “It’s very frustrating to be held back by these small things we can’t control but I will be back better and stronger and I will be coming to collect the rest of my belts!!”
Opetaia should be defending the IBF cruiserweight title in June in Australia or the UK.
“He’s had issues in that left shoulder, had no strength there. So after [surgery] he should be fine and fighting in June,” said Mick Francis manager of Opetaia
Masternak defeated another Australian Jason Whateley in 2022 to become the IBF mandatory contender.
The speed of recovery after surgery today is nothing short of amazing. Even for revisions. Not too long ago, a fighter would be out for a solid year.
Worst thing he can do is have surgery. Shoulders are a different beast. The healing process and the range of motion loss will be significant.