Jai Opetaia Reclaims IBF Cruiserweight Title in Rematch Against Mairis Briedis

Australia’s Jai Opetaia emerged victorious in a gripping rematch against Latvian boxer Mairis Briedis, securing the vacant IBF cruiserweight championship in a fierce 12-round battle held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout resulted in a unanimous decision in favor of Opetaia, with the judges scoring it 117-111, 116-112, 116-112.

The match had Opetaia displaying dominance in the initial rounds, setting the tone for the fight. However, the experienced Briedis staged a remarkable comeback in the latter half of the bout, pushing Opetaia to his limits with multiple impactful blows.

Jai Opetaia had been stripped of the IBF title last year due to participating in a high-profile fight in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, he reclaimed the championship in this intense rematch with Briedis, showcasing his resilience and skill.

Post-fight, Opetaia credited Briedis for his toughness and sportsmanship, acknowledging the intense battle they both engaged in. Despite a head clash that reportedly caused Opetaia’s broken nose, he commended Briedis for his warrior spirit and expressed respect for the Latvian.

In his statement, Opetaia revealed that a potential unification fight with the WBO champion is on his radar following the victory. He reflected on the challenges faced during the Briedis rematch and expressed confidence in his ability to further evolve as a fighter.

This rematch between Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis marked a significant moment in the cruiserweight division, with Opetaia’s record now standing at an impressive 25-0 after securing the IBF title once again. Briedis, with a record of 28-3, proved that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the 200-pound weight class.

Looking ahead, Opetaia aims to continue his reign as the IBF cruiserweight champion and pursue further opportunities for unification in the division. Meanwhile, boxing fans anticipate the upcoming matchup between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe.