IBF world heavyweight champion (up to 90.7 kg) Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) from Latvia and Australian mandatory challenger Jay Opetaya (21-0, 17 KOs) made statements before entering the ring.
Recall that their fight will take place on July 2 and will be the main event of the boxing evening in Broadbeach (Australia). On the eve of the boxers successfully passed the official weigh-in.
Mairis Briedis:
“On the records of Jay’s previous fights, I saw that he has good technique. He is flexible, he has good speed and I will be happy to fight him in his home country. Although what you see on the video is very different from what you witness in the ring.”
“The most important thing for me is to enjoy the fight. I like to participate in fights that boxing fans find interesting and spectacular, this is all for them, and we will show our best in the ring.”
“He predicts that it will be a war, but I don’t know how I will feel in the ring, nor how he will feel. As Mike Tyson said: “All plans change after one missed blow to the head.” I wish him all the best.”
Jay Opetaya:
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, I can’t wait to get in the ring and I feel like I’m ready. I know he’s a great fighter, but I’m from a new, cool wave. Everything he has achieved is already in the past. Now is my time.”
“I know that this is a big step forward for me, compared to my past opposition. Being one level higher, I killed them all and I’m ready to become a world champion. It will be a war, and I am ready for it.”