PalmerBet Presents: IBF Cruiserweight Word Title – Mairis Briedis v Jai Opetaia

The International Boxing Federation has declared that Cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis must defend his world title against Australian Jai Opetaia!

Saturday July 2 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Jai Opetaia already has an impressive resumé including light heavy junior World Title (2011) and youngest boxer in Australian boxing history to qualify for the Olympic games (2012). With a perfect professional boxing record of 21 wins from 21 fights, Opetaia now has the chance to become the first Australian to win a world title on Australian soil since Jeff Horn’s 2017 upset victory against Manny Pacquiao.

Standing in his way is one massive hurdle: world champion Mairis Briedis! Hailing from Latvia, Briedis (28 – 1 – 0) is the number one ranked Cruiserweight in the world, with his only loss coming at the hands of the undefeated heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2018. Bouncing back after the mixed decision defeat, Briedis has strung together 5 straight wins, becoming a three-time world champion in the process.

Briedis’ promoter Kalle Saunderland of Wasserman Boxing has cautioned Opetaia ahead of the fight. “If you had to pick a shot of his, I’d say the left hook. That’s the one Opetaia has got to look out for” said Saunderland. “There’s a number of punches in his arsenal. He’s got a great chin.”

Opetaia’s promoter Dean Lonergan of D&L Events disagrees. “It doesn’t matter if Mairis Briedis has a left hook, a right hook or a fish hook because Jai Opetaia we know has a chin of granite and world-class evasion and defensive skills.”

One thing that the two promoters can agree upon is that the excitement in the crowd will be palpable. “I know the Australians have fantastic fans and we are looking forward to the atmosphere.” said Saunderland.
“Kalle is one hundred percent right that Australia has some of the greatest sports fans in the world, and the cheer when Opetaia knocks his boy Briedis out, will be heard all around the world.” laughed Lonergan.

Will Opetaia fulfil his potential, or will Briedis continue his reign as world champion? Don’t miss one the best fights Australia will ever see! This event is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast and the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland.