Boxing’s heavyweight division is brimming with promise as talents like Oleksandr Usyk, the current world heavyweight champion, and newcomers like Moses Itauma are making waves. Following Usyk's recent rematch victory over Tyson Fury, many are speculating about who might step up to challenge the champion next.
Among the likely contenders is Jai Opetaia, the reigning cruiserweight champion with a record of 26 wins and 20 knockouts. Opetaia is set to defend his IBF title against New Zealand’s David Nyika on January 8. But even as he gears up for this important fight, he has his eyes on the potential rise of Itauma, who he believes is the future of the heavyweight division.
During his time training for Fury’s rematch, Opetaia shared the ring with Itauma, praising the 19-year-old's talent and potential. "He’s a great fighter," Opetaia remarked when discussing Itauma with Queensberry. "He was in the camp when I sparred Fury, he was one of the southpaws. The kid’s good, he’s only young. It’s going to be good to see his progress and for him to reach the top and I’m sure he will."
Opetaia feels confident about the young boxer’s skills and potential, stating, "He’s only 19. He’s got the world at his feet." It’s clear Opetaia has high hopes for Itauma to carve out his own legacy within the sport. The Australian boxer, who has sparred with Nyika before, is also excited about his upcoming match, feeling prepared and ready for what lies ahead.
“It’s going to be a good fight; I’ve done a lot of rounds with him and they’ve been competitive rounds,” Opetaia said, emphasizing the difference between sparring and actual fights. “But sparring is sparring and fighting is fighting. I feel like I’m a different beast when I fight. When the fight becomes, I’ve got a job to do; winning is a must.”
With most observers expecting Opetaia to triumph against Nyika, discussions are already shifting toward the heavyweight division. Opetaia recognizes the need to continue collecting belts at cruiserweight before making any significant moves to the heavyweight category, stating, “When the chapter of jumping to heavyweight becomes, it becomes. At the moment I’m fully focused on collecting the belts as a cruiserweight.”
Alongside those hopes are thoughts of Undisputed Champion Gilberto Ramirez, who holds the other three major cruiserweight titles. A potential clash between Ramirez and Opetaia for supremacy at cruiserweight would be thrilling, but the lure of stepping up to heavyweight still lingers.
While heavyweight legends continue to define the sport today, the likes of Usyk, Fury, and Opetaia represent the new wave seeking to make their mark. With the boxing world watching eagerly, it remains to be seen how Itauma will progress through the ranks. Yet, considering the high praise from established fighters like Opetaia, the future looks bright for the young contender.
Boxing fans will undoubtedly keep their eyes on this rising talent as he contends with established champions and engages with the best the sport has to offer. The heavyweight division is set for another resurgence filled with memorable matchups and thrilling stories of ambition, potential, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
