Jai Opetaia, the current IBF cruiserweight champion, shared that he was approached by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh with the idea of fighting Canelo Alvarez at 175 pounds. However, Opetaia explained that he couldn’t meet that weight requirement but expressed interest in facing either Canelo or David Benavidez if they were willing to move up to cruiserweight, which is at 200 pounds, for the challenge.
There was speculation about whether Benavidez, who is considered by many to be a natural cruiserweight, would be open to a match with Opetaia. While Canelo might be on the smaller side for the cruiserweight category, Benavidez has the physical stature that could make a fight with Opetaia feasible. It was mentioned that Benavidez has typically enjoyed a weight advantage in his fights and might not be eager to face an opponent like Opetaia who matches his size.
Opetaia expressed his willingness to fight Benavidez at cruiserweight if Benavidez chooses to move up to that weight class, asserting that cruiserweight is his domain for now. He also acknowledged that while Canelo might be small for the division, it would be an interesting matchup if Canelo were to step up.
Opetaia recalled a conversation with Turki Alalshikh where the sheik inquired about a potential fight between Opetaia and Canelo at 175 pounds. Opetaia mentioned his inability to meet that weight but reiterated his eagerness to demonstrate his abilities against top contenders in the division.
In conclusion, the conversation shed light on the potential for exciting bouts in the cruiserweight division, with Opetaia ready to embrace challenges from fighters like Canelo and Benavidez should they decide to compete in his weight class.
