JAI OPETAIA took out the anger of losing his world title on Brit Ellis Zorro with a brutal one-punch knockout.
Opetaia landed in Saudi Arabia to feature on Anthony Joshua’s undercard with the news that he faced losing his IBF belt.
The Aussie had the choice of keeping the strap to defend against mandatory challenger Mairis Briedis or surrender it for the Saudi payday.
Opetaia could not help but choose the career-high payday – and Zorro took the brunt of it.
A massive left hook in the opening round left Zorro out for the count and needing oxygen.
Opetaia – cousin to Premier League legend Tim Cahill – admitted he could not help but use the frustration of losing his belt to fuel the brutal backhand.
He said: “The last 18 months is just all part of the journey. I’m here, I’m in the ring, that’s all that matters.
“That’s all in the past and it’s got me to where I am now so I’m just excited to be here and I’m excited for the next step.”
Opetaia, 28, won the IBF title against Briedis, 38, in 2022 and made one defence until he was harshly stripped.
But still with the Ring Magazine belt around his waist and deemed the No1 in the division, he is ready to welcome all comers.
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Opetaia added: “Man, these dudes just put the people in front of me and I knock them out.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “You’ve got a guy in Oleksandr Usyk that became undisputed in the cruiserweight division, moved up and became unified in the heavyweight division.
“I believe Jai is going to do exactly the same thing.”
