Opetaia survives bloody 'war' to reclaim world title
Aussie JJai Opetaia has won his long-awaited rematch against Mairis Briedis to reclaim the IBF cruiserweight title via unanimous decision in a bloody affair in Saudi Arabia.
The Aussie was in control for much of the 12-round fight, although the Latvian rallied in the final three rounds.
The three judges scored the fight 117-111, 116-112, 116-112.
“Mairis, I’m honoured to share the ring with you … you’re a true warrior and I have nothing but respect for you,” Opetaia said after the fight.
Both fighters spent the first couple of rounds feeling each other out, with neither really making much of a mark on the other – although an Opetaia jab did open a cut on Briedis forehead in the third.
Opetaia broke Briedis’ nose in the first round of their first fight, and appeared to do it again in the sixth round of this rematch.
The Aussie was in control for much of the fight, but the intensity skyrocketed in the 10th after the Latvian landed a left jab that opened up Opetaia, who followed it up with a right hook of his own that caused Briedis to stumble.
In the 11th, Briedis exploded out of the gates and pinned Opetaia on the ropes, before landing a flurry of body blows. Opetaia spent much of the round on the run.
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