Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn shared his thoughts on the next possible opponent for WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs).
The promoter thinks that IBF cruiserweight champion (up to 90.7 kg) Jai Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) would make a great rival for the Ukrainian.
"The only fight I see… I like the idea of Jai Opetaia versus Usyk. That would be a very interesting clash of styles. But first, Jai needs to earn the right to such a fight. He needs to win his next bout. Then, most likely, he’ll have a unification fight with Gilberto Ramirez.
Once Opetaia moves up in weight, this fight could be competitive in terms of size. It’s truly a great potential matchup, but Jai should keep working on his profile in boxing.
As for Usyk, I don’t see many fights that would really interest me. He’s already achieved so much," said Hearn.
In October, Jai Opetaia stopped Jack Massey by a sixth-round TKO. On January 8, the Australian is set to face David Nyika.
On December 21, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury for the second time this year, defending his titles.