20 Apr

Opetaia Anticipates a Chess Match in Usyk vs. Fury Bout

Former cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) shared his thoughts on the upcoming undisputed heavyweight world championship fight between titleholder Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) and WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs).

"The size difference will definitely play a role. Fury's height at 210 cm compared to Usyk's 192 cm will be a factor. Fury needs to leverage this. He has the tools to win but needs to use them effectively. Tyson needs to capitalize on his strengths, and so does Usyk. I expect them to throw a lot of punches, stealing rounds here and there. I don't think they'll be trying to knock each other out. Most of the fight will be a chess match, which I'm really looking forward to. I want to see how the shorter fighter manages against the taller one, and how Fury responds to Usyk," said Opetaia.

The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is scheduled for May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Opetaia will also compete on the same card, facing Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) for the IBF cruiserweight title.

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