Former boxing champion Jeff Fenech has urged Australia to rally behind Jai Opetaia, whom he considers the nation’s top boxer despite his lack of mainstream recognition. While Tim Tszyu, the son of legendary fighter Kostya Tszyu, has garnered significant public support thanks to his impressive rise in the boxing world, Opetaia has quietly amassed an impressive record of 28 wins, including 22 knockouts, earning the IBF and The Ring titles in the cruiserweight division.
Opetaia, now 30, has showcased his prowess both domestically and internationally, notably by defeating Mairis Briedis twice, including a historic win while nursing a broken jaw. His recent alignment with promoter Eddie Hearn and participation in high-profile events in Saudi Arabia featuring stars like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has further solidified his status as a formidable athlete in the sport.
Despite these achievements, Opetaia struggles to gain traction with the casual Australian audience. Fenech criticises the local media and boxing community for failing to promote him effectively, stating, “Nobody knows about Jai… the sport is a joke.” He expressed frustration that Opetaia’s talent has gone underappreciated due to what he perceives as jealousy and mismanagement within the boxing scene.
Opetaia’s potential has been evident since he was a teenager, with Fenech identifying him as a future great from as early as 17 years old. Fenech lamented that Australian boxing fans have missed the opportunity to witness Opetaia’s development into a top competitor because of the lack of support and exposure he has received.
Looking ahead, Opetaia is set to challenge Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who holds the WBA and WBO titles, in a bid to become an undisputed world champion. While Ramirez is seen as an elite opponent, Fenech suggested that there might be hesitation from Ramirez’s camp to face Opetaia, hinting at the latter’s skill and potential to emerge victorious.
Opetaia’s last fight took place on the Gold Coast in June, where he achieved a solid fifth-round knockout win over Claudio Squeo. As he prepares for this next critical fight, Fenech’s calls for recognition may finally help shine a spotlight on a fighter who has long been respected within boxing circles but overlooked by the Australian public.