Jai Opetaia says his goal has not changed: he wants to become undisputed cruiserweight champion.
Opetaia remains unbeaten and is widely viewed as one of the leading fighters at 200lbs. He has fought once this year, outpointing Brandon Glanton in March, but is now pushing for the biggest available fights in the division.
“I actually had a good sitdown with the team today and we’re hoping to make that dream possible by the end of the year,” Opetaia said. “Early next year would be good but undisputed is what I want.”
Chris Billam-Smith, now also with Zuffa, is chasing Opetaia after stopping Ryan Rozicki last week. But Opetaia’s priority appears to be belts, and Billam-Smith no longer holds the WBO title after previously losing it to Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.
David Benavidez has also entered the cruiserweight conversation after stopping Ramirez and winning the WBA and WBO titles. If he stays at 200lbs, he becomes a major name in the same title race.
For Opetaia, the message is simple: he wants the champions. “Any of these other beltholders want it, I’m telling you, it’s an easy fight to make,” he said.
Image Credit: Fox Sports