Jai Opetaia makes his first defense of the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight championships in Saudi Arabia on Saturday against Jack Massey.
The Australian is one of the fastest-growing stars in the division and will be an odds-on chance to retain his belts against Jack Massey.
Massey will be the underdog in the betting, but the Brit is a former IBO cruiserweight champion in his own right. But, could he have his work cut out in the Middle East this weekend?
Odds
| Fight Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jai Opetaia | -3300 |
| Jack Massey | +1200 |
Tale of the Tape
| Jai Opetaia | Jack Massey | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | Age | 31 |
| 25-0 | Record | 22-2 |
| 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| 76 in (193 cm) | Reach | 74 in (188 cm) |
| Southpaw | Stance | Orthodox |
Australian Favored to Make Successful Defense in Second Title Run
Jai Opetaia has strong great pedigree throughout his boxing career, beginning at amateur level when winning the gold medal at the World Junior Championships.
Since turning professional, the Australian southpaw has been dominant in the ring, winning all 25 bouts.
He is regarded by The Ring Magazine as the best active cruiserweight, and kick-started his second title reign in May.
A rare decision win was recorded against Mairis Breiedis, but the Australian looked to be in control throughout the 12-round contest.
Former Champion Overlooked in Betting
Opetaia’s dominance in the cruiserweight division has been so great that Jack Massey is hugely overlooked in the betting this weekend. The Englishman made a dominant start to his professional career, winning each of his 16 bouts.
Massey would bounce back from defeat in fine fashion to score a third-round win over Bilal Laggoune to win the IBO cruiserweight title in 2021, before later adding the Commonwealth gold in 2024.
Massey has never been stopped in 24 previous bouts, which included an excellent effort against Joseph Parker last year when taking one of the best heavyweights in the world the distance.
Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey Prediction
While we believe Opetaia will make a successful defense this weekend, it could be argued that the Australian is way too short in the betting.
Massey has never been knockout in his career, meaning that the reigning champion will likely score victory via a points decision in Saudi Arabia.
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