Sam Jones revealed Jai Opetaia will go straight into camp with Tyson Fury next
Sam Jones revealed to Betway Sports that his cruiserweight charge, Jai Opetaia, will be sparring Tyson Fury in the New Year, and also shared his thoughts on the IBF’s decision to vacate their cruiserweight title for breaking their rules.
Here's what he has to say:
Is Opetaia going to spar with Tyson Fury?
Sam Jones: "He’s going to go straight into camp with Tyson Fury after his fight which is very important to Tyson Fury.
"He’s the best possible sparring partner and I believe Jai Opetaia beats Oleksandr Usyk so it’s a great addition."
Thoughts on Jai Opetaia being stripped of the IBF title?
Sam Jones: "I just think it’s an embarrassing decision because all parties were okay with it, but it was just them. I know it is part of their rules but it’s like the Ring Magazine not putting the title on the line for Sunny Edwards vs Bam Rodriguez the other week. I know it’s the rules but there has to be some common sense used, just like Jai Opetaia. He is the best cruiserweight in the world in many people’s eyes.
"The IBF should give him a little bit of leeway. He’s not going to not go for the biggest pay day of his career because the IBF said they can’t. They have also left it very late with two or three weeks before the fight. I think Jai Opetaia has took a stand there and it’s an embarrassing decision by the IBF. It’s just part of their rules but there has to be an element of common sense which there isn’t a lot of in boxing.
"But he’s still the man in the division, he’s got his Ring Magazine belt. It obviously takes a bit of the gloss off the fight because it’s not for the full world title, but everyone sees Jai Opetaia as the man."
Article sponsored by HÖRFA