Eddie Hearn says IBF cruiserweight champion Jay Obitaya is likely to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for his heavyweight world titles in…12 to 18 months” With the help of Turki Al-Sheikh’s “money”.
Hearn revealed that the plan was to increase Obitaya's “credibility” by first making him the undisputed cruiserweight champion by capturing the WBA, WBC and WBO belts from Gilberto “Zordo” Ramirez and Badou Jack. Once Opetaia (27-0, 21 KO) does that, he will move up to heavyweight to challenge Usyk for his belts if he doesn't retire or get beaten by someone before then.
Skip the line?
There's something disgusting about Opetaia getting a title shot in his first heavyweight fight without at least fighting a title contender or a top contender waiting to compete for a world title. When a fighter gets a direct title shot without competing in the top division, boxing seems less like a real sport and more just about popularity and money.
As good as Obitaya looked on Wednesday night, knocking out David Neka (10-1, 9 KOs) in the fourth round at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach, in Queensland, Australia, it's hard to imagine him defeating heavyweight contenders like Martin Bacolli. .
18-month plan
“Jay is going to collect all the cruiserweight belts to become undisputed, and then we want to push him into a fight against Oleksandr Usyk in the heavyweight division to try and become undisputed as well,” Eddie Hearn said. DAZNtalks about how he wants Jai Opetaia to collect all the titles at cruiserweight and then move up to heavyweight to do the same there.
“I think he's the only guy at cruiserweight or heavyweight who can give Oleksandr Usyk a real fight, but to do that, we have to capture every belt at cruiserweight first to give him the credibility and money of his luxury. To get Oleksandr Usyk in the ring.
“Trust me, in 12 to 18 months, Jay Obitaya vs. Oleksandr Usyk will be an all-time classic,” Hearn said.
Opetaia may be pushed back when he joins forces with WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs). This is a huge step forward from the likes of the lackluster Nyika and Mairis Briedis. He could lose to Zordo, which would ruin Hearn's vision of him stepping up to challenge Usyk.
In Usyk's case. He may retire soon or be beaten by IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Usyk won't wait until Opetaia collects all the belts at cruiserweight before fighting again. He will remain active, and one obvious fight that could happen next is a rematch with Dubois.
Oleksandr was lucky not to be knocked out in their fight on August 26, 2023. He went down with what appeared to be a legal body shot, but the referee ruled it a low blow. Replays showed he was on the belt line. Dubois will focus on Usyk's body in the rematch, knowing he is vulnerable there.
