EXCLUSIVE: Joseph Parker’s verdict on Jai Opetaia fight as jump to heavyweight division looms large
GOLD COAST: Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has backed Jai Opetaia to successfully handle the step up in division from cruiserweight once he completes his mission of unification.
New Zealand slugger Parker rocked up to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre weigh-ins to support the Australian star, who will defend two titles against Germany’s Huseyin Cinkara on Saturday night.
Parker spoke to Wide World of Sports about how he sees Opetaia’s career playing out from here.
‘Ring of Fire’: Opetaia vs Cinkara for the cruiserweight world titles on December 6 is available to order now on Stan Pay-Per-View
Joseph Parker speaks to Jai Opetaia. Getty
WWOS: What is your relationship like with Jai? Why are you here?
Parker: Man, we are like brothers. Obviously he’s from Australia and I’m from New Zealand, but we both have Samoan heritage.
We have supported each other throughout our careers. He’s always shown love to me so it’s really nice to be here as a fan, as a supporter, and to be cheering him on. I can’t wait to see Teremoana Teremoana do his thing as well – it is a high quality card.
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WWOS: Opetaia and his camp are adamant that Gilberto Ramirez is scared and dodging him. Is that the way you see it as well?
Parker: The way I see it is that Jai is very keen to be fighting all the other cruiserweights, and if the other cruiserweights were keen, it’ll happen.
But at the moment he’s the only one calling them out.
It’s not that hard to make fights happen. So he’s calling them out, doing his job, and hopefully the others can step up and take the challenge. I know he wants to be unified, cruiserweight champ of the world, and that’s a great goal to have and a great goal to chase.
Jai Opetaia and Huseyin Cinkara. Stan
WWOS: So what does he need to do to take that next step then? Is it as simple as keep knocking people out?
Parker: Yeah, stay the course, be patient, keep being the champion that he is, keep grinding hard and training hard, putting in the work.
Hopefully, eventually, it’ll come to fruition, these big fights that he wants to have.
Joseph Parker hits Alexander Flores at Horncastle Arena. Getty
WWOS: Jai hates talking about jumping up to heavyweight, but seems the obvious end game?
Parker: I think so, yeah. With what Oleksandr Usyk has done, it’s a similar pathway. If you can conquer the cruiserweight division, which I think he can, and be the unified champion of the world, then what’s left to do?
Move up to heavyweight and see what he can do in that division.
WWOS: Has he got what it takes to be a dominant heavyweight?
Parker: He’s a very talented, explosive, strong fighter. And he’s very serious about his work and he’s a fun man to watch.
I’m sure with the team that he has, and being able to be guided by his dad, his strength coach and everyone else in the team, I’m sure they can make that jump.
It’s just about finding what works for him. But at the moment, I know that he wants to dominate the cruiserweight division, and that’s his task, that’s his goal, and I hope he can do it. I know he can do it, but I hope the others can step up to make it happen.
Jai Opetaia knocks down David Nyika. Getty
WWOS: What’s your prediction for Saturday night?
Parker: Jai Opetaia knockout. I know Cinkara is talking tough and is unbeaten and experienced – and I hope he puts up a good challenge.
But there are levels in this sport and Jai is another level. Aggressive level, top level.
