Jai Opetaia's Journey from Down Under to the Top of the World

Polynesians and fight fans around the world are celebrating the victory of Samoan-Australian Cruiserweight boxer Jai Opetaia after he defeated Mairis Briedis of Latvia for the vacant IBF World Cruiserweight Title!

He is also the Ring Magazine champion. 

When the two fought previously on the Gold Coast in 2022, Jai was a promising youngster and Briedis admittedly underestimated his skills and abilities. In an epic battle that went twelve rounds, Briedis fought with a broken nose and Jai had his jaw broken in two places.

Jai won the fight but had to go straight to hospital because as he said later, “My jaw wasn’t even attached to my skull.”

For ‘Opetaia v Briedis II’ Jai found it hard to find his rhythm and won the first eight rounds on most people’s score cards but failed to knock down the Latvian. Neither fighter ever really looked in danger of knocking the other out or down.

Despite Briedis’ stirring comeback in the later rounds and both fighters breaking each other’s noses, Jai won on points in a unanimous decision and his record rose to 25-0. . 

After Jai was named the winner, he made it a point to mention his aiga/family back in New South Wales, Australia. “Shout out to my family on the Central Coast and Campbelltown,” he said as he touched his eyes. “I love you guys and I miss you guys.” 

Jai’s Uncle Tuaoimaali’i Tawake Mosese was one of a few family members in attendance. He made the trek from Auckland, New Zealand to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “It was important for me to be here,” he said.

“Jai is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. He has always been a champion to us and now the world sees his strength, bravery and heart.”

Jai comes from boxing legacies on both sides of his family. His great grandfather Aitulā Opetaia of Tufulele, Upolu was a fighter in Sāmoa before coming to NZ in the 1950s. Jai’s grandfather Billy (Tapuloa) Opetaia was an NZ Middleweight champion in the 1960s and Jai’s father Martin (Tapu) Opetaia was a formidable fighter in Australia in the 1980s. Jai’s Australian mother Tracy Johnson also has boxers from her side of the family. 

Jai was destined for the ring and has been competing from a very young age. He has lived a life of focus and training to achieve his dreams. In 2012, he was the youngest athlete to represent Australia in boxing at the Olympics.

 “He has overcome so much adversity to get here, I’ve been watching Jai box since he was about 10-years-old and I know that he is uncomfortable being comfortable."

"He thrives in settings where he is uncomfortable. It’s amazing to watch him do what he does. That’s why I have so much respect for him and other fighters at this level. It’s so hard, mentally and physically, to do what they do.” 

Although Jai was victorious, he was not pleased with how he fought. “To be honest, I’m not that happy with my performance but we will go back to the drawing board, we will learn a few things and we will make progress. We will get better.”

Jai won over the Saudi Arabian crowd with many showing an interest in the ‘ula fala’ necklaces worn by his Uncle and some of his family support crew. “Security was unsure what it was so they tried to take it off me coming into the stadium,” said Uncle Tuaoimali’i. I told them it is a Chief’s necklace from our homeland so I was able to keep it. People kept asking me about it and wanting to take photos with me. "Hey, I’m just the Uncle, I’m not the champ!” 

Now that he has his IBF Cruiserweight World Title back, Jai is looking forward to returning to his family in Australia. He has a new baby on the way (his first!) and he is so excited to welcome a new little one into the Opetaia aiga. 

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By Louisa Tipene Opetaia