EXCLUSIVE: Jai Opetaia vows to turn tragedy into triumph as opponent plans to ‘knock him senseless’
Jai Opetaia will be fighting for much more than himself when he enters the ring against Huseyin Cinkara on December 6.
The Australian boxing community was rocked earlier this month by the death of Keri Fiu after the 49-year-old trainer collapsed during a conditioning session.
Fiu was Justis Huni’s trainer but Opetaia – who called him ‘The Glue’ – had also worked extensively with him throughout his unbeaten professional career.
‘Ring of Fire’: Opetaia vs Cinkara for the cruiserweight world titles on December 6 is available to order now on Stan Pay-Per-View
Jai Opetaia and Keri Fiu. Instagram
“It is very sad, man,” Opetaia told Wide World of Sports.
“It definitely hasn’t been the same without him. We’ve had to adapt and now we do it for him.”
Opetaia is Australia’s top pound-for-pound boxer and the country’s only current male world champion.
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The 30-year-old (28-0, 22 KOs) will defend his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles against Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
Cinkara, a 40-year-old from Germany, came out swinging in the media after touching down in Australia.
“Look, I’ve got respect for Opetaia – he’s earned his place,” Cinkara said.
Hueseyin Cinkara of Germany punches Dzemal Bosnjak of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Getty
“But respect don’t win fights. Power does. And I’m the harder puncher between us. If he wants to dance, I won’t be surprised. I don’t think he wants to trade with me. I hit harder, I hit faster.
“I’ve been training like a man possessed. Every morning, every spar, every drop of sweat is for December 6th. I’m not here to play nice – I’m here to take the belts.”
Opetaia’s last victory was a fifth round knockout of Italy’s Claudio Squeo in June.
“Squeo seemed to be too polite. I’m coming over to knock Opetaia senseless in front of his own fans. I’m not asking for respect – I’m demanding it. And I’ll get it the only way I know how,” Cinkara said.
“I know people write me off but I will prove them wrong. I believe vulnerability is real – and I see cracks. I see chinks in his armour. I’m not blind. December 6, those belts change hands.”
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It’s great chat but the bookmakers aren’t convinced, with one leading provider listing Opetaia at $1.02 and Cinkara at $29.
Opetaia was left fuming last week after cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez continued to bypass a potential unification bout.
Opetaia has been calling out Ramirez for two years but the Mexican has instead announced plans to fight David Benavidez in May.
Opetaia told WWOS that it was “obvious” Ramirez was ducking him but he didn’t want to be distracted from the task ahead against Cinkara.
Jai Opetaia at Star Casino Gold Coast. Getty
“Man, he’s a crafty little fighter,” he said.
“You don’t become No.1, the mandatory challenger in the division, by accident. He’s obviously done the hard yards, he’s not a bad little fighter, he’s got some good power. And I think he’s just dangerous because he’s not afraid to punch on.
“He wants to take risks and he’s got nothing to lose, so it makes him very dangerous.”
Opetaia’s fight will be broadcast on Stan pay-per-view and he is excited to show off his talents to a fresh and expanded audience.
He is regarded by many as one of Australia’s most underappreciated athletes.
“Mate, it’s about time we got some backing by some mainstream media,” Opetaia said.
Jai Opetaia knocks down David Nyika. Getty
“It’s been a long time coming. This is the sixth or seventh time we’ve defended the world title, and we’ve proven we’re the best in the country. So I feel it’s about time we’ve had a bit of backing by our own nation.”
Opetaia is stimulated by rubbing shoulders with stars from other sports and he enjoyed time with Wallabies Hunter Paisami and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in May.
He is close with first cousin Ben Roberts, the former NRL star, while Socceroos legend Tim Cahill is a “distant cousin.”
Jai Opetaia poses with Hunter Paisami and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Getty Images for Rugby Australia
Opetaia welcomed Sonny Bill Williams into his Gold Coast camp before fighting Paul Gallen in July.
“That was an awesome experience. He’s an elite athlete, he’s one of the best rugby union players ever,” he said.
“Being a young Pacific Islander boy and seeing him on the big stage at a young age – he was one of those guys that raised the bar.
“If he can reach the highest peak in his career, why can’t we? It was inspiring to be around him. He’s full of good energy, he trains very hard. We went in the trenches together and I’ve seen him dig deep.”
Gallen won via a split decision.
“I thought Sonny had done enough to win the fight. They should have a rematch for sure,” Opetaia said.
The Ring of Fire fight card. Stan
