World junior champ Jai Opetaia's pro debut - August 1 in NZ

[Like a Boss]

Southpaw Jai Opetaia was only 16 when he was selected to represent Australia at the London Olympics and many believed he was unfortunate to lose his opening bout to the then world No.1 heavyweight Teymur Mammadov of Azerbaijan.

The pair were tied 9-all heading into the final round and while Opetaia was beaten by a point, many thought he had done enough to cause the upset.

Opetaia has since decided to turn professional and was to make his pro debut at the Melbourne Pavillion on July 8th - however his debut has been shifted to August 1 in NZ.

"I feel like it's time for me to take the next step of my career. I've been fighting in the amateurs since I was eight years old and I think it's time to move on".

"I know people will be disappointed but to be honest, amateur boxing isn't paying the bills. You need backing to stay in the sport and at the end of the day I've had to make the right decision."

[Sids]

Very cool! Very unique and interesting fighting style.

[Like a Boss]

Very cool! Very unique and interesting fighting style.

Jeff Fenech is a big wrap for Jai:

Jeff Fenech determined to help Jai Opetaia to world heavyweight title

"I'd heard of him but I wanted to watch Jai first and when I saw him spar, wow, it was nerve-tingling," Fenech enthused. "I got goosebumps. This kid has so much potential, more potential than I've ever seen in this country.

"I like his presence in the ring. I like that he's so skillful, he has such a great eye, great anticipation and awareness. Since that day Jai has sparred guys who are experienced and the truth is he annihilates them.

"And when you think this kid hasn't even had a professional fight it's very exciting. It's amazing and what I really like is he has a good head on his shoulders."

"He has good power but in his division you need knock out power," said Fenech. "The reason he isn't knocking people out is because he's not using his core and he's moving with his punches.

"Jai is using this amazing speed and incredible hand-eye co-ordination. We're working on [developing an even more powerful punch].

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/boxing/jeff ... h33en.html

[Like a Boss]

Jai Opetaia's pro debut has been re-scheduled for August 1st at Sky Arena in NZ, on the undercard of Joseph Parker vs Bowie Tupou.

[lowlefthand]

Good intro to pro boxing. The crowd will be lively and sold out, and he gets to see Parker and Tupou at it up close, and Horn vs Plotnykov should be a good fight as well. Any idea who he's fighting?
Hope he likes the cold -4C overnight tonight in Invercargill...

[RileyT]

Anyone know where I can watch this fight in Australia? TV/internet?

[bennyaha1]

Anyone know where I can watch this fight in Australia? TV/internet?

http://www.epicentre.tv/events/jeff-hor ... plotnykov/