Jai Opetaia vs Claudio Squeo Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

Jai Opetaia left his last opponent face down in deep sleep.

The Ring and IBF cruiserweight world champion returns to action, looking for another statement win on Sunday when he clashes with Italian fighter Claudio Squeo at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, and live on DAZN.

The 29-year-old Opetaia (27-0, 21 knockouts) is coming off a fourth-round devastation of David Nykia in January and will be targeting more fireworks this weekend.

He faces Squeo (17-0, 9 KOs) who is also undefeated but has never fought outside of Italy and on a world stage quite like this.

Will Opetaia make quick work of Squeo before booking a bigger fight at cruiserweight or perhaps even heavyweight? Or will Squeo pull off what would be a monumental upset?

DAZN News analyzes the keys to victory for champion and challenger heading into their bout.

Jai Opetaia’s keys to victory

Use the swift footwork

As much as Jai Opetaia is praised for possessing punching power in both hands, watch the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight king’s feet.

Whether it is subtlety bouncing to the outside to re-assert range or stalking his opponent with forward progress, the Australian fighter moves around the ring exceptionally well for his size.

Against an opponent who has never fought outside of Italy in Claudio Squeo, Opetaia’s movement around the ring alone could frustrate the 34-year-old challenger.

Launch the uppercut

In piecing together combinations, Opetaia’s uppercuts have explosive motion and are the perfect cap to his punching barrages.

As a pressuring Squeo takes his chances inside, Opetaia would be wise to unload such a shot.

Detonate the overhand right

Opetaia can launch the overhand right or left with devastating results.

But the overhand right from the southpaw, in particular, is a shot that is detonated with such pop that opponents often never see coming.

It is like they are anticipating the left and get shocked with that big right hand.

This tool could wind up being another potent weapon in Opetaia recording his latest title defense.

Claudio Squeo’s Keys to Victory

Unload the right hook

Watching fight footage of Claudio Squeo and the Italian fighter does a good job at barreling forward and unloading a big right hook.

While he might lack the power that Opetaia has, the right hook might be Squeo’s biggest weapon.

Pressure

Squeo can make Opetaia’s fourth-round KO of David Nyika in January an interesting case study.

Though Nyika was ultimately finished, he did have moments in the pocket where his pressure resulted in hurting and maybe even buzzing Opetaia.

If Squeo can generate such pressure, he too can have pointed results against Opetaia.

Easier said than done, but he must try.

Be composed, watch for counters

In pressuring, Squeo has got to be cautious about counters coming from Opetaia.

The Australian champ has been pressured in the pocket before but still remains undefeated and that should be a clear signal to Squeo to not get overzealous on his biggest platform yet.

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