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Opetaia shuts down heavyweight talk amid Usyk echoes
Jai Opetaia believes a move to heavyweight against Oleksandr Usyk is "unrealistic", as the cruiserweight star eyes an undisputed sweep.
The Australian, who currently reigns as IBF champion, will return this weekend in his Zuffa debut against Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas.
Opetaia has long spoken about his desire to collect all four major belts, but has thus found it hard to book his preferred foes in the division.
That has led to speculation that he could tire and opt to make a more lucrative switch to heavyweight, perhaps in pursuit of champion Usyk.
Speaking on Inside the Ring however, the Sydney native has played down any move, stating he will not move until he achieves his goals.
"I’m chasing undisputed," he said. "Until I tick that undisputed box or get these unification fights, the heavyweight chapter is down the track.
"There’s no rush for me, just because everyone keeps bringing up heavyweight. Putting my name with Usyk, I feel like it’s just a bit unrealistic,
"I’m not just gonna say his name and chase him disrespectfully, just for clout, just to get my name out there. I’ll carry my name on my own back.”
Opetaia shuts down heavyweight move again
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
This is not the first time Jai Opetaia has faced questions about a move to heavyweight - and it will not be the last for the cruiserweight star.
There is a natural link between the Australian and Oleksandr Usyk, with the former keen to repeat the latter's undisputed feat in the division.
Until Opetaia achieves that however, he has repeatedly stressed he will not budge - even if questions over his Zuffa move continue to swirl.
The Sydney fighter is adamant he will still keep his IBF crown and push for unification opportunities across the year with them at his back.
But the roadblocks that mean he has not secured such a chance so far still stand in his way. Opetaia may need the cards to fall in his favour.
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