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Can Jai Opetaia move from 'Zurdo' shadow to stake master legacy?
Jai Opetaia stands out in a room. Six-foot-two with a mean hook, the Australian has long created his own centre of gravity.
The IBF cruiserweight champion has carved an unbeaten professional career thus far, built on grit, guile and gumption.
For many pundits, powerbrokers and peers, the Sydneysider might just be the pre-eminent cruiserweight of his generation.
Ryan Rozicki said it himself when he suggested that Opetaia stands as the heir to Oleksandr Usyk's undisputed throne.
There's just one small problem for the New South Wales native - or at least, it was small when he was climbing the ropes.
Now approaching two years on top of the world as a major strap holder, Opetaia has been unable to find a fitting challenge.
Since regaining the crown he vacated the prior December against Mairis Briedis in May 2024, he has endured mixed matters.
Four fights have come and gone, all secured by stoppage with relatively little fuss. But few have been against major foes.
With no offence to Jack Massey, David Nyika, Claudio Squeo and Huseyin Cinkara, the calibre of his foe has been lacking.
Compare and contrast
Compare and contrast, then, with the great white whale rival of the division, Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez and his own record.
The Mexican has only fought thrice since the start of 2024 - but each bout has pitted him against a current or former champion.
He claimed his WBA belt by outclassing Arsen Goulamirian, then added the WBO title in a gutsy battle with Chris Billam-Smith.
Last year, in his only fight, 'Zurdo' defended his titles against Yuniel Dorticos, a two-time champion still with a point to prove.
None of these encounters have come by knockout, unlike Opetaia's resume. But the quality of opponent is markedly superior.
What the Australian needs on his record is a dance against such a rival, most pertinently in 'Zurdo' and his two belts himself.
For whatever reason, though, such a dance is yet to materialise for Opetaia - and it arguably leaves him in Ramirez's shadow.
He may carry all the acclaim, with plenty considering him the division's top operator. But his recent record is less killer, all filler.
Crossroads and consideration
By Opetaia's own words, it is beyond his control. He has reportedly pushed for bouts with Ramirez and Billam-Smith before.
They have not come in the end, instead leaving the star to tackle smaller names. It may explain his decision to join Zuffa.
The star's promotional debut in Las Vegas this weekend against Brandon Glanton will see him arrive as the heavy favourite.
His foe has a sturdy record of his own, having taken Billam-Smith the distance last year at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, too.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Yet how much it moves the needle for a man who many believe could challenge above at heavyweight remains to be seen.
Opetaia, for now, finds himself still caught in the shadow of Ramirez and his two belts, even as he battles towards the sun.
He insists Zuffa will afford him the opportunity to challenge for other crowns down the line, will further enhance his pursuit.
He has already faced one crossroads and taken the trip towards Sin City. Soon, he will face another one to consider as well.
It could prove to be defining. Opetaia is poised to leave a master legacy, one he feels can only be secured by undisputed status.
But in switching tracks to Zuffa, he faces a further ultimatum - to still chase 'Zurdo' in the darkness, or free his pursuits in the light.
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