Boxing
Mairis Briedis to defend IBF cruiserweight title against Jai Opetaia on May 11
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Mairis Briedis is set to defend his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles against mandatory challenger Jai Opetaia on May 11th in Australia.
Briedis was set to take on the undefeated Opetaia on April 6th, but the fight was pushed back after the Latvian contracted Covid-19.
"I look forward to coming to Australia to defend my world titles,” Briedis said following the announcement.
“I know my opponent is a good boxer. He is a southpaw who is undefeated and who has had a very decent amateur career.
"As always, I will give my all in training camp and I will come to Australia to show my best boxing.
"I hope me and Jai can put on a great boxing spectacle for the fans."
Briedis will be coming up against a decorated amateur in Opetaia. The 26-year-old has won a bronze medal at the 2012 Youth World Championship along with representing Australia at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games before making his profssional debut in 2015.
"It’s a dream come true to get a shot at the world title and on top of that it’s happening right here on the Gold Coast which is brilliant,” said Opetaia.
“I’m a resident in Surfers Paradise so you can’t get any more Gold Coast than that.
"This is my chance to announce myself to the world. I want to bring home another world title to Queensland just like Jeff Horn did.”
Briedis was ringside on Sunday night for Lawrence Okolie's successful WBO title defence against Michal Cieslak. The pair are believed to be interested in a unfication fight at some point in 2022.
