Opetaia Vs Glanton Preview

By Miguel Maravilla

It’s a Sunday Funday this weekend as undefeated reigning Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) of Australia will make his U.S. and Zuffa Boxing debut when he takes on Brandon Glanton of Atlanta (21-3, 18 KOs) this Sunday night at the APEX Arena in Las Vegas, headlining Zuffa 04 on Paramount+.

The Zuffa cruiserweight title will be on the line in what will be Zuffa’s inaugural title fight. It’s still a mystery whether the IBF title will also be at stake, but one thing is certain — there will be a fight Sunday night.

In a matchup between a puncher and a tough, savvy fighter, Opetaia vs. Glanton should be entertaining.

Glanton is a very tough and durable fighter who comes to fight and has proven to be a difficult opponent. He is coming off a sixth-round technical decision over former world champion Marcus Browne. Prior to that fight, Glanton went the distance, dropping a decision to Chris Billam-Smith as he gave the Brit a solid twelve rounds.

For the champion, Opetaia has looked sharp since becoming world champion, winning the IBF title with a decision over Mairis Briedis. Proving the first time wasn’t a fluke, Opetaia defeated Briedis a second time in a rematch via decision. Opetaia has crushed the opposition leading into this fight and is coming off a devastating eighth-round knockout over Huseyin Cinkara, breaking Cinkara’s jaw in the process.

The Fight

This matchup has plenty of potential to be a fun fight. Opetaia has all the tools, including punching power and skill, coming into this bout. Rolling over the opposition with vicious knockouts, there is no question the Australian of Samoan descent is fighting confidently like a champion. Having gone the distance with Briedis in both fights has benefited Opetaia by giving him valuable experience. After walking through his recent opponents, Opetaia will look to impress American fans with his style as he fights under the Zuffa banner for the first time.

For Glanton, there is no question he can handle himself in the ring. With this opportunity on a big stage, Glanton has nothing to lose and has proven to be a tough fight for anyone. There will be no backing down from Glanton against Opetaia. For Glanton to make this fight swing in his favor, he will need to take the fight to Opetaia early — not necessarily trading toe-to-toe, but using ring savvy to take away Opetaia’s punching distance through clinching and holding. However, if he stands directly in front of Opetaia and trades, it could be a short night.

With both fighters proven capable of going the distance and all the factors surrounding this fight for Opetaia, expectations are high for the champion. Expect this fight to be a solid one.

The Pick

Jai Opetaia by decision — a good experience fight for Opetaia.

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