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Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis II: Prediction and Grand Arrivals Unveiled

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend
By S Saadeq Ahmed | Last updated 5/16/24

Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) and Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) will clash again in a world title rematch.

The two meet on the undercard of Ring of Fire, an event that sees Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Boxing fans can catch the action live as a PPV on DAZN and ESPN+ in the United States. Those in the United Kingdom can also do so with TNT Sports, Sky Sports and DAZN. The vacant IBF cruiserweight title will be on the line for Opetaia-Briedis 2.

In their first meeting roughly two years ago, Opetaia defeated then-champion Briedis via unanimous decision in a brutal fight. After one defence against Jordan Thompson, he was stripped of the belt after being unable to rematch the Latvian. At long last, the two cruiserweights finally meet in a rematch.

Watch Fury-Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship without a long-term subscription through PPV.com. Find out more by clicking below.

Both fighters were present at grand arrivals on Tuesday at BLVD City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Below is what they had to say about their upcoming clash.

Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis Meet Once Again

Jai Opetaia

“I’m feeling good, man,” said Opetaia. “Ready to put on a big show.”

“Definitely,” he said when asked if fans can expect another tough fight against Briedis. “I feel like he’s gonna come out swinging and we’re ready for anything he brings.”

“I don’t know how it ends yet, but it ends with my hand raised.”

“It’s awesome to be here, being a part of one of the biggest fight nights of this decade. I’m honoured to be here. We’ve earned our spot here and now we’re ready to put on a good show.”

“We’re gonna try to steal the fight. I got no doubt Briedis has prepared well so I’m expecting a war.”

Mairis Briedis

“Very exciting,” said Briedis. “I like warm, hot countries.”

“I think win who will be stronger [sic], like always.”

Fight Prediction

Since the last time these two fought, Opetaia has had two fights and dominantly won both of them. In that same time, Briedis has had no fights. The Latvian is currently 39 years old and it is hard to imagine him being able to cope with Opetaia in his current form. Briedis does have plenty of experience, however, and will not be easy to drop. Expect the Australian to win a comfortable unanimous decision in the rematch.

Grand Arrivals

For the full grand arrivals featuring Fury, Usyk, Opetaia, Briedis and other undercard fighters, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.