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Jai Opetaia vs David Haye – Tony Bellew weighs in on fantasy matchup
Jai Opetaia vs David Haye – Tony Bellew weighs in on fantasy matchup
David Haye maintained a memorable professional boxing career, with many feeling he was at his brutal best when at cruiserweight. In the current crop of fighters, Jai Opetaia, the current IBF and Ring magazine champion, is at the top table in the division today.
In a recent interview on Froch on Fighting, Bellew broke down the fantasy matchup, recalling the talents of Haye at cruiserweight.
Fantasy matchup between Jai Opetaia and David Haye
Haye’s power vs Opetaia’s skill
Haye’s career was exciting from start to finish. He had a tendency to get hit, but the power he had in both hands was a great equaliser.
He scored memorable KO wins against Derek Chisora, Audley Harrison, and John Ruiz. His electric hand speed, alongside his brute strength, saw him claim many KO victories at cruiserweight and heavyweight. Haye was brilliant at creating angles to launch attacks.
Opetaia is a beast. He carries a scary amount of power, but as a southpaw, he’s a nightmare for many opponents. Great footwork, fast hands, and the ability to finish a fight with one punch.
Opetaia vs Haye – Tony Bellew breaks it down
When asked for his views on a fantasy fight between Opetaia and Haye at cruiserweight, Bellew said:
“David was a monster. David actually enjoyed fighting southpaws. Every southpaw that he faced, he was vicious against. That’s a really good fight.
“David at Cruiserweights is a machine, mate. The Gurov fight when he chinned him for the European title was just, wow. Alexander Gurov, a tall southpaw, established amateur. The finish was unbelievable.
“When David beat Enzo Maccarinelli, at that stage, and at that point in his career, I thought you’re right up there. Yeah, I’d love to see him and Jai, but Jai is formidable. The only thing is, Jai is on the small side. I’ve been around Jai. He’s not big enough, but David’s exactly the same stature as me. Just a few more muscles, bit better looks,” added Bellew.
Jai Opetaia vs David Haye, who would you back and why?
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
