Previews
Jai Opetaia vs. Hüseyin Cinkara press conference quotes and fight prediction
Jai Opetaia vs. Hüseyin Cinkara press conference quotes and fight prediction
Jai Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) will soon defend his IBF cruiserweight world title against Hüseyin Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs).
Their bout headlines a Tasman Fighters card at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Australia. Fight fans in the country can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) on Stan Sport. The rest of the world can do so with UFC Fight Pass.
Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Dec. 6 clash. Below is some of what they had to say.
Jai Opetaia vs. Hüseyin Cinkara press conference quotes
Jai Opetaia
“It’s just another day in the office for us,” said Opetaia. “I’m prepared for 12 rounds of war, man. I keep saying it, but we’ve been in the trenches. We’ve ticked every box. Let’s do it.”
“It’s been challenging to get the right fights. I’m looking for those progress fights, but we’re here now. He does bring a lot of challenges. You don’t become number one mandatory on accident. He’s the first one to step up. I’m sure they offered him cash to step aside so we could get a different fight, but he believes he can win. He’s got nothing to lose, he’s coming to win. It makes him dangerous, but we are ready for the danger. We prepare in those deep waters all day. Whatever he brings, we got an answer to. I’m curious to see how he comes out. How hungry is he? How tough is he? Let’s find out on Saturday.”
Hüseyin Cinkara
“[I’ve] worked very hard for this fight,” said Cinkara through an interpreter. “[We’ve] covered all bases. [We’re] ready to go. There’s nothing [I] believe [we’ve] forgotten. [I’m] ready to fight. [I’m] bringing the game.”
“First of all, [I] just want to explain that [I know] that Jai is the best champion out there in the cruiserweight division. [I] have total respect, not just for his fighting ability, but also his demeanor and his character. He’s a very nice man, you can see that. But I’ve come here prepared and with all my belief, not just in myself but because [of] the belief the Turks have in me as well. I’m going to bring the fight come Saturday night.”
Fight prediction
Cinkara may be unbeaten in 23 professional contests, but he does not appear to bring much to trouble Opetaia. The Australian has fought opponents like this in the past and stopped them with relative ease. Expect to do so once more against Cinkara. Opetaia to get the stoppage within six rounds.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Stan Sport.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
