All roads lead to Jai Opetaia. That is the stern warning from the ‘King of the Cruiserweights’ himself as he prepares to remind the world this Saturday that he is the top dog in the division despite having to give up his IBF World Title.

The Australian is just six days away from his ‘Day of Reckoning’ with Ellis Zorro in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – live worldwide on DAZN PPV.

But the No.1 ranked fighter and reigning Ring Magazine World Champion will be without the IBF crown having been forced to vacate the belt earlier today.

With mandatory rival Mairis Briedis currently injured, a special appeal was requested by Matchroom, Tasman Fighters, Queensberry and Wasserman Boxing to the IBF to allow Opetaia to defend his crown against Britain’s Zorro this weekend.

But with the IBF denying Opetaia that opportunity, the Aussie has reluctantly relinquished his championship. Fired up, Opetaia now vows to do his talking in the ring and showing why he is rated as the best Cruiserweight on the planet.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show,” Opetaia told Matchroom Boxing.

“I cannot wait to get in the ring. It’s all outside noise and it’s also just fuel on the fire. It makes me want to perform even better. The thing is all roads lead to me. I am the Ring magazine World Champion, the number one in the division. I am the king of the Cruiserweights.

“We’ve definitely earned our spot on this card, which is the biggest in boxing history. I can’t lie, it’s been a rough journey. It’s been a rollercoaster to get to where we are, but we are here. 

“So, I feel like I’m the motivation to all my rivals. I’m working hard. I’m doing what I’ve got to. I’m focused on my own journey, and I’m not worried about them. 

“I’m locked in on Ellis Zorro and I’m expecting a solid version of him. He’s going to have to pick it up when he faces me. So, I’m pumped. I’m ready. I’ve earned my spot here – it didn’t happen by accident. And we just go out and we do what we do.

“We’re just getting started on this journey. We’ve got so much more to achieve in this in this game and we’re flying the Australian and Samoan flags very proudly. I’m honoured to be part of this card and a part of boxing history.”

The ‘Day of Reckoning’ comes after the ‘Battle of the Baddest’, which was held on October 28 during the opening of Riyadh Season 2023, in which Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou.

The fourth edition of Riyadh Season, themed “Big Time,” offers many entertainment options and experiences. It continues to attract visitors from across the globe to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, during the winter months, providing them with the opportunity to partake in thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other distinctive entertainment events. Notable celebrities and prominent international brands contribute to the grandeur of this occasion.

Tickets for events and experiences in the zone can be reserved through the WeBook application by accessing the following link:
http://onelink.to/wbkapp

“Welcome to Wembley ahead of a huge World Title double header on Saturday night, live and exclusive on DAZN, headlined by the number one Cruiserweight in the world, Jai Opetaia, the IBF and Ring Magazine champion against Britain’s Jordan Thompson. Ellie Scotney also making her maiden defence against Laura Griffa. There’s another fantastic Cruiserweight match-up with Cheavon Clarke against Vasil Ducar, a brilliant European title clash between Katharina Thanderz and Rhiannon Dixon, and some of the best young talent on disply with Ibrahim Sulaman, George Liddard, Maiseyrose Courtney, Shannon Ryan and the debut of Jimmy Sains.”

Jai Opetaia:

“We’re ready, we deserve to be here, I have earned this spot and I am excited. I want to earn respect for my team and my country, I’m ready.

“It was a long recovery and a few things didn’t go to plan getting back in the ring, but we’re here now. We’ve grown outside the ring and inside the ring, I am just ready to show it on Saturday night.

“We adapt as well, to all different styles. I’ve been boxing my whole life, I’ve earned this, it didn’t happen by accident. So Saturday night, we do it again. 

“I want to collect all the Cruiserweight titles. I’m winning this fight, however it happens, it happens.”

Jordan Thompson:

“There was not really any time to plan for this, we’ve had to improvise, but I am some that firmly believes in myself and my potential, I know where it comes from and I am excited to go out there and prove to the world and to myself that I’ve got what it takes to become a World Champion. This is just another chapter to the story, another stepping stone, and we’re going to show everyone.

“Tony Sims doesn’t say anything unless he means it, Tony will tell you about the graft I have been putting in and the sacrifices I’ve been making, the changes I’ve made. I am someone that every time I walk in the gym, I leave it as an improved version of myself, I am like a sponge. The work ethic in the Matchroom gym is second to none. I’m so excited to be sharing a card with Maisey, George and Jimmy, and they will say the same, and it’s going to show on Saturday night.

“I am a very adaptable fighter, I’ve shown that in my fights. There are various styles I can incorporate in the ring, various ways I can win the fight, and we’ve prepared for whatever, we’re ready for whatever and we’re willing to do whatever it takes when it comes to it.

“There is absolutely no doubt about it, I know I have been highly blessed and I can’t wait to go out there and claim what’s mine on Saturday night. We all know boxing and what it takes to become a World champion, I am going to take the belts off him and I am going to do it by knockout. 

Ellie Scotney:

“Something that I have lacked in my career is momentum, so to get a quick turnaround is going to be key, and I will show that. I am a completely different fighter from the one that boxed in June, I’ll stick to my boxing when I need to, but if it comes to biting down that’s always a place I am willing to go.

“All eyes are on Saturday night first, I know what she’s going to bring and I am fully prepared. I am hunted, but I hunting myself and you’ll see that on Saturday night. 

“I’m getting closer to you on the table so something is going right. The Lynn AC is a special place, I have to thank you for what you have done. The doors are reopening tonight and I know that there will be many young females and males that will go there and one day could be sitting where I am or even right next to you. I am thankful for the opportunities and I am going to keep pushing for more doors to open.”

Laura Soledad Griffa:

“Thank you very much for this great opportunity, this is something that we really enjoy experiencing. I feel that I am really well prepared to show everything that I’ve been working on with my team.

“It’s going to be a great fight, and if Ellie wants a war, we’re going to have one.”

Cheavon Clarke:

“It’s going to be a fun fight, we’re moving fast but no faster than I told you we were going to, if you remember the day I came in with the Dobermans! We already told you what was going to happen and we’re now here. Vasil is a good opponent, he’s come over here and caused problems for a few fighters, but I am Cheavon Clarke.

“The pedigree and being on the Olympic team has helped, but this is my style, it’s what I do, I don’t change because I am fighting someone else. This is what I bring and it will take me all the way. 

“You want to see what is happening in the main event as they are in my weight class, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday and take it from there.”

Vasil Ducar:

“I like coming to the UK every time and showing great fights. I hope to be better on Saturday night because I work hard every day with my heart and soul to give my best in the ring. This time, I will have a photo with you (Eddie Hearn) and the belt.”

Rhiannon Dixon:

“It’s a big step up from my last fight but one me and my team are ready for. I’m just excited, we’ve been waiting a long time for this fight.

“Styles make fight and I believe Katharina will bring out the best in me. This fight opens up so many opportunities, so we will do the job on Saturday and move on from there.”

Katharina Thanderz:

“We have been training really hard and I am really excited for a new title fight. I can’t wait for Saturday.

“I saw her live in Bilboa and I remember saying that she had a great style, very technical and that’s what I like about this fight, it’s going to be difficult but I am looking forward to it.”

Shannon Ryan:

“It feels great to be back. My last fight was an amazing performance, punch-perfect. There are things I could have done better but I have watched it back so many times and I am happy with it. This is an eight-rounder with a southpaw, another challenge and I am ready for it. 

“It’s exciting – a ten rounder after this one which is good, and I will continue to show why I will be leading the Super-Flyweight division, I’m too fast, too sharp, too strong and too smart.”

George Liddard:

“I massively appreciate the opportunity to be on such a big card again. I had a great learning fight last time at The O2, I got the win and six tough rounds in the bank, so we move on to 5-0 on Saturday night and I then look forward to watching Jordan win the IBF and Ring Magazine belts with Maisey and Jimmy.

“I’m always in exciting fights and that’s how I plan to go on. Peter Kramer is a tough guys, he tucks up well and he is  defensively sound, but when I get in there it’s a different game; I’m explosive and fast, and there is not much I haven’t got now. I’m looking forward to continuing to step up the levels and be in more exciting fights.”

Maiseyrose Courtney:

“It’s a good fight for me on Saturday, it’s another step up from my last fight. Martina has won a European title so it’s a good step up and it’s great to be on a card with all my stablemates in Jimmy, George and Jordan who will become World Champion on Saturday.

“If you let me Eddie, I’ll fight 12 three minute rounds, I’m ready to move onwards and upwards to eight and ten rounds. The training we do with Tony means we’re fit enough to do 15 x 3, that’s the blueprint and hopefully it’s my last six rounder.”

Jimmy Sains:

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve been in the Matchroom gym for three years now and I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do. I’m hoping everyone from Repton and Essex can come down and support us. 

“We’re very fortunate to all be on the same card on Saturday, training hard in camp together and we’ve all seen how hard we’ve worked for this, and we hope Jordan can do the job and become World Champion.”

Limited remaining tickets are available from Stage Front. 

Jai Opetaia and Jordan Thompson shared an intense face off during today’s Media Workout at the Kensington Boxing Club in London as the pair met in person for the first time ahead of their huge showdown for the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles at the OVO Arena Wembley this Saturday September 30, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The undefeated pair headline a huge World Title double-header this weekend that also sees undefeated IBF Super-Bantamweight World Champion Ellie Scotney put her World Title on the line against Argentina’s Laura Soledad Griffa, while rising Cruiserweight contender Cheavon Clarke meets former Thompson opponent Vasil Ducer for the IBF International Title. 

Australia’s Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.

Manchester’s Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs), trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Brentwood, Essex, heads into his first shot at world honours on the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena back in April.

“I’m feeling good man;” said Opetaia. “Almost there. The hard work is done and we’re ready to go to war. He’s tall, that’s his main strength. I feel like that’s his only strength. He generates a bit of power with that range but I’ve been here before. I live this sport, I live and breathe it every day. 

“Breidis is old news. This is the new goal. I’ve got a new goal now. September 30, that is it. I’m going to war, man. I’ve trained so hard, I’ve prepared so fucking well. We’re ready for anything. It’s hard to go off his past fights because he really hasn’t fought anyone. He’s never been tested so we don’t know what he’s like in deep waters but we’ll find out September 30.”

“I don’t really focus on what my opponent is doing too much,” said challenger Thompson. “We’ve done our homework, Tony has done his homework, we know what to expect on fight night. I’m not one to waste my energy, I like to preserve my energy. The only night that matters is Saturday night, fight night. That’s when it matters, that’s when the switch should be flicked. And believe me you, the switch is there to be flicked. 

“I haven’t got to lock in until fight night. All of this is important, it’s part of it, the PR and stuff, engaging with the fans. You’ve got to put on a show and play the game, but at the same time the only time you’ll see me switch up is on that fight night. I realise that I have to keep a cool head with all that is on the line. People have said that I don’t have anything to lose, but I don’t think that’s the case – I have everything to lose in this fight.

“I’m going in there with that winning mindset, I’m a winner at the end of the day. I’m a born winner. I’m a born champion. When you believe in your potential like I do, it’s all about going out there and executing it and being calm under the pressure, being calm under the under the lights. Being calm and having a calm mind is the greatest weapon against any sort of opportunity or challenge put before you.

“A lot of people are saying this is a big step up for me. Honestly and truthfully, I flip that script right back on him. I believe this is a big step up for him too. Mairis Breidis, world class operator, but I believe he was past his better years. He did his job though, he went out there and got the win, he did what he had to do. I believe I’m a step up for him, he ain’t ever fought nobody like Jordan Thompson. That I can assure you.”

Opetaia vs. Thompson headlines a huge night of action in Wembley, dangerous Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) gets his first title shot – taking on former Chris Billam-Smith and Jordan Thompson opponent Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Title, Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) meets Norway’s World Title challenger Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown, Catford’s 122lbs queen Ellie Scotney (7-0) puts her IBF World Title on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa (20-8, 1 KO), Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) have quick turnarounds after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London last month, Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) fights for the sixth time as a pro, Birmingham Lightweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (1-0, 1 KO) looks to go 2-0 and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.

Limited remaining tickets are available from Stage Front. 

Jai Opetaia will make the first defence of his IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles against Jordan Thompson on a huge night of World Championship boxing at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30 that also sees IBF Super-Bantamweight ruler Ellie Scotney make the maiden defence of her World Title against Laura Soledad Griffa, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland, Australia in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.

The 28-year-old extended his unbeaten slate to 22 fights in the paid ranks on that famous night, landing World Title honours at the first attempt in a professional career that began in August 2015 after the imposing southpaw said goodbye to a glittering amateur stint that yielded gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and saw him become the youngest ever Australian Olympian fighter when he represented his country in at the 2012 Games in London.

He returns to London next month, putting his red and gold hardware on the line against Manchester’s undefeated contender Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs), who heads into his first shot at world honours on the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena back in Cardiff.

The 6′ 7″ powerhouse, who is trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Essex, has won all five of his fights under the Matchroom Boxing banner since putting pen to paper on a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in June 2021, picking up the IBF European Title but outpointing Vasil Ducar at the Sheffield Arena in August 2022.

Catford’s 122lbs queen Scotney (7-0) returns to the arena where she was crowned IBF World Champion in June, comfortably outpointing Australia’s former champion Cherneka Johnson on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ shutout points win over Andres Campos.

Argentina’s Griffa (20-8, 1 KO) gets her second shot at the IBF Super-Bantamweight after falling short in her challenge against Marcela Eliana Acuna in August 2018. ‘La Joya’, who fights out of Pehuajo in Buenos Aires, has also challenged for the IBO Super-Bantamweight and Featherweight Titles and has won both of her fights in 2023.

Dangerous Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) gets his first title shot – taking on former Chris Billam-Smith and Jordan Thompson opponent Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Title and Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) meets Norway’s World Title challenger Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown.  

Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) have a quick turnaround after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London earlier this month, Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) fights for the sixth time as a pro and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.

“I have been waiting too long for someone to challenge me and now we finally have a fight,” said Opetaia. “Thank you Jordan for stepping up but I hope you are ready!”

“Opetaia is the recognised number one in the division and the best guy out there and that’s why he’s the one I want,” said Thompson. “This is my time now and the world will see that on September 30th. I ain’t never been one to just take part, I’m a winner, I’m going to win.

“Winning a World Title is every fighter’s dream but now I want more,” said Scotney. “I want to prove myself the best Super-Bantamweight in the world, but a true champion also has to be willing to defend her title. I wanted to stay active and getting to defend the belt in the same venue I was crowned World Champion gives me the ideal opportunity to show that there are levels to this sport On September 30 I will show just that.”

“I am very excited to be fighting for the World Title for a second time,” said Griffa. “Ellie Scotney is a very good and skilful boxer, but she doesn’t have the heart and toughness that I do. I am a true warrior and will bring war to London September. I will break her down bring the World Title back home to Argentina.”

“A huge World Title double-header at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 30 topped by IBF Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia defending his crown against Manchester’s Jordan Thompson and Catford’s Ellie Scotney putting her IBF Super-Bantamweight crown on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the Cruiserweight division. Jordan is showing huge courage by bypassing the domestic scene and jumping in with the best in his division for a shot at glory – he should get massive credit for grabbing this opportunity with both hands when others have avoided it. 

“Ellie has plans on unifying the Super-Bantamweight division and becoming a multi-weight World Champion but first she must get her first World Title defence under her belt. There’s plenty more title action on the undercard as Cruiserweight powerhouse Chev Clarke goes for the IBF International Title against the tricky Vasil Ducar and Anthony Crolla’s charge Rhiannon Dixon meets former Terri Harper opponent Katherina Thanderz for the EBU European Lightweight Title. Watch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“It’s great to have Jai debut on DAZN on September 30 in London,” said Alfie Sharman VP, DAZN. “Jai is one of the best in the division and with Jordan being tipped for a big future in the sport, this is going to be a cracker. Watch it live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Ticket information will be announced soon. 

Tasman Fighters and Jai Opetaia have agreed to work with Matchroom as part of a global promotional partnership.
 
Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland, Australia in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.
 
The 28 year old extended his unbeaten slate to 22 fights in the paid ranks on that famous night, landing World title honors at the first attempt in a professional career that began in August 2015 after the imposing southpaw said goodbye to a glittering amateur stint that yielded gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and saw him become the youngest ever Australian Olympian fighter when he represented his country in at the 2012 Games in London.
 
Opetaia is determined to make more history with the goal of unifying the Cruiserweight division, and the IBF and Ring king is itching to get back into the ring and turn those dreams into reality with Matchroom.
 
“This is something that Tasman Fighters and myself have always worked towards and now I just want to start taking these big fights and unify all the titles,” said Opetaia.
 
Penning a deal with Opetaia sees another Australian star added to Hearn’s blossoming stable Down Under, with the world’s leading Cruiserweight joining the likes of Liam Paro, Stevie Spark, Ebanie Bridges and Skye Nicolson, and Hearn is excited to be able to plot big events in Australia following a successful first outing in Queensland in October – and with Matchroom joining forces with Tasman Fighters on Opetaia, fighters and fight fans alike in Australia are the big winners in the deal, with huge nights on the horizon.
 
“I am thrilled to welcome Jai to the Matchroom Boxing Team and delighted to be working closely once again with Tasman Fighters,” said Hearn. “Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the Cruiserweight division. There is no doubt that he can collect all the belts to become undisputed ruler and not just become a superstar at home, but all over the world.
 
“Australian boxing continues to rise and Matchroom want to be a major part of that growth, and with Jai joining our other Aussie stars, we look to returning there soon.”
 
“The deal Tasman Fighters has struck with Matchroom is a massive opportunity for Jai Opetaia to move forward in his career on a global scale, it also opens the door for all of our contracted fighters and Australian boxing in general,” said Mick Francis, Company Director of Tasman Fighters. “Pathways for our athletes is something we consider is the key to developing boxing in this part of the world and with Matchroom it is finally a reality. We are looking forward to the future.”
 

The Ring Magazine and IBF World champion Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) weighed comfortably inside the Cruiserweight limit ahead of his title fight this Saturday against Jai Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs). Following his typical approach to making weight, the champion showed up in unbelievable condition as he looked upbeat and focused as he hoped for another successful defense. Please find detailed below the official fighter weights ahead of the IBF World Cruiserweight title fight between champion Briedis, and the undefeated Opetaia on Saturday July 2.   IBF WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MAIRIS BRIEDIS – 14st 3lb 1oz JAI OPETAIA – 14st 2lb 7oz Light Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds FARIS CHEVALIER – 12st 6lb 8oz CONOR WALLACE – 12st 6lb 6oz Junior Middleweight – 10 Rounds JOEL CAMILLERI – 10st 13lb 4oz KOEN MAZOUDIER – 10st 13lb 12oz   Junior Bantemweight Bout – 10 Rounds TAYLAH ROBERTSON – 8st 2lb 14oz YOSELIN FERNANDEZ – 8st 13lb 14oz Featherweight Bout – 8 Rounds DANA COOLWELL – 8st 13lb 11oz LORENZ LADRADA – 8st 13lb 5oz   Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds ISAAC HARDMAN – 11st 6lb 1oz BEAU HARTAS – 11st 5lb 8oz Cruiserweight Bout – 4 Rounds DAVID NYIKA – 14st 3lb 14oz LOUIS MARSTERS – 14st 3lb 12oz The IBF Cruiserweight World Championship clash between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia is available to watch live on FITE

(June 30, 2022) — Two world-class boxing events will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ this Saturday, July 2.
 
The action kicks off Down Under in the early morning hours (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT), as IBF cruiserweight world champion Mairis Breidis defends his title against undefeated contender Jai Opetaia at Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.
 
The action continues from the OVO Arena Wembley in London (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT), as undefeated heavyweight contender and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce defends his WBC Silver and WBO International belts in the 12-round main event against Christian Hammer.
 
Breidis (28-1, 20 KOs), a native of Riga, Latvia, has won five bouts since losing a razor-thin decision to Oleksandr Usyk in January 2018. The 37-year-old puncher won the IBF belt in September 2020 with a majority decision over Yuniel Dorticos, then defended it last October in Riga with a third-round TKO over Artur Mann. Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs), a 2012 Australian Olympian from Sydney, has fought most of his career in Australia. The 26-year-old has knocked out his last three foes and is taking a major step up against Breidis.

In other streaming action from Australia:
 
Isaac Hardman (12-1, 10 KOs) vs. Beau Hartas (6-1, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight
 
Dana Coolwell (7-2, 5 KOs) vs. Lorenz Ladrada (11-2-1, 3 KOs), 8 rounds, featherweight
 
Taylah Robertson (5-1, 1 KO) vs. Yoselin Fernandez (11-1, 5 KOs), 10 rounds, junior bantamweight
 
Faris Chevalier (13-1, 7 KOs) vs. Conor Wallace (8-1, 6 KOs), 10 rounds, light heavyweight
 
Joel Camilleri (22-7-1, 10 KOs) vs. Koen Mazoudier (9-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, junior middleweight

 

Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, has taken the express route to contention since turning pro in October 2017. He knocked out former world champion Bermane Stiverne in his eighth pro fight and won a points verdict over former title challenger Bryant Jennings in his 10^th outing. He came from behind to stop then-unbeaten prospect Daniel Dubois in November 2020. Last July, he knocked out longtime contender Carlos Takam in six rounds. Hammer (27-9, 17 KOs) is a 14-year pro who has fought the likes of Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Alexander Povetkin, and Tony Yoka, Joyce’s Olympic nemesis.

                                     In other streaming action from London:                                                                      
 
Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) vs. Nizar Trimech (9-3-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight
 
Jason Cunningham (31-6, 7 KOs) vs. Zolani Tete (29-4, 22 KOs), 12 rounds,
Cunningham’s Commonwealth and IBF International junior featherweight titles
 
Callum Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) vs. Igor Mikhalkin (24-3, 11 KOs), 12 rounds,
Johnson’s WBO Global and vacant WBC Silver light heavyweight titles
 
Mark Chamberlain (10-0, 7 KOs) vs. Marc Vidal (13-2-5, 5 KOs), 10 rounds,
vacant IBF European lightweight title.

 
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It was an introduction befitting of a champion as IBF Cruiserweight king Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) was welcomed to Thursday’s press conference, as the champion spoke ahead of his title clash with undefeated Jai Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs) at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Australia on Saturday. Described as “the best Cruiserweight in the world”, Briedis has had to wait a little longer than expected to fight with Opetaia due to issues with COVID-19. Following on from the virus, an injury and further surgery meant the Latvian champion had to suffer further pushbacks on the fight date. However, it seemed to be business as usual for the champion as the relaxed spirit of the IBF champion Briedis was clear for all to see. Sporting a ‘Crocodile Dundee’ hat, he started off by playfully commenting on the two promoters backing of their own fighters during the press conference. The attentions of the champion quickly turned to his opponent, and after acknowledging the attributes of the Australian, Briedis made it clear that he just needs to do his thing and all will be well come Saturday. “What I’ve seen on the tapes of Jai, he’s got good technique. He’s flexible, has good speed, and he’ll be happy fighting in his home country. What you see on tape is very different to what you see in the ring,” said Briedis. “The most important thing for me is to enjoy this fight. I like being in fights that boxing fans find interesting and exciting, it’s for them and we’ll be doing our best in the ring. Addressing the comments made about the potential battle this fight could become, Briedis opted to quote the legendary Mike Tyson to make his opinions clear. “He’s predicted this will be a war, but I don’t know how I will feel in the ring or how he will feel in the ring,” he said. “As Mike Tyson said, ‘All the plans change after one punch to the head’. There’s going to be a feeling out process after some dancing and punching. I wish him all the best.” Opetaia is heading into this fight as the underdog according to betting odds, but he cannot be underestimated as the undefeated fighter. Ready to try and seize his moment, he feels this is his unveiling as the new face of the division. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity, I can’t wait and I feel ready. I know he’s a great fighter, but I’m a new generation of great coming through. Everything he’s done, that’s all in the past now. It’s my time.” “I know this is a big step up from my past competition,” continued Opetaia. “My last fights I blew them out of the water, I was levels above, and I’m ready to become a world champion” “I’m ready for those deep waters, I’m ready to dig deep. I know this is going to be a war and I’m ready for it.” Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, sat alongside IBF Cruiserweight king Briedis to support his fighter. With a relationship that stems back many years, Sauerland spoke of the levels to this game and why all his confidence lies with his fighter to reign supreme over Opetaia and the rest of the Cruiserweight division. “His belly is still very much empty and he’s raring to go, he could have quite easily stopped after winning the Muhammad Ali trophy. He signed a new deal to extend his career and he’s here to take care of business, then we’ll go off and unify again,” said Sauerland. “He won the WBSS (World Boxing Super Series) the second time round after losing an epic fight against Oleksandr Usyk; a fight which people still contest the winner to this day. If you want to talk about pedigree, this is a guy who is a three-time world champion. Not once, not twice; but three times.” He continued, “Jay (Opetaia) is taking a step up on Saturday night, and to give him and his team credit they’re doing it against the best of the Cruiserweight champions out there. This is someone The Ring magazine recognise as the best in the division. They’ll be asking themselves the night before the fight whether they’ve been at this level before and if they’ve had their chins checked – Mairis certainly has. I can’t wait for Saturday, it’s going to be an unbelievable fight, and this will certainly not be going the full 12 rounds.” With both fighters now fully fit and raring to go, Promoter Dean Lonergan was equally full of anticipation and excitement ahead of this IBF Cruiserweight title fight. “This will be one of the all-time great fights we see here in Australia, with two guys who do not want to take a backwards step,” said Longergan. “I think it’ll be an all-out war. I think you’re going to see a lot of blood, a lot of gore. And you’re going to see some amazing boxing skills; it’ll be something special.”   The IBF Cruiserweight World Championship clash between Mairis Briedis and Jai Opetaia is available to watch live on FITE