Eddie Hearn says Jordan Thompson’s fight with Jai Opetaia is a ‘dangerous’ one for both boxers, but insists ‘Troublesome’ has what it takes to become ‘the No.1 cruiserweight in the world’.
Opetaia was originally meant to face British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe, but the mandatory contender withdrew from the purse bid hours before they were due to take place.
As a result, Thompson – who signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing in June 2021 – agreed to face the unbeaten champion at the the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30.
Hearn said he wanted Thompson to have two more fights before challenging for a world title but claims the opportunity to fight Opetaia for the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles was too good to turn down.
Speaking to Mail Sport about the September 30 card, Hearn said: ‘The main event is a bit of a wild one really. Jordan Thompson is someone who I have looked at thought could be a bit of super star.
Hearn says Thompson’s fight with Jai Opetaia is a ‘dangerous’ one for both boxers, but insists ‘Troublesome’ has what it takes to become ‘the No.1 cruiserweight in the world’
The pair will go toe-to-toe at the the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30
Hearn wanted Thompson to have two more fights before challenging for a world title but claims the opportunity to fight for the IBF and Ring Magazine Titles was too good to turn down
‘He looks fantastic, he speaks very well and he punches really hard. He’s also a tremendous athlete. I see him moving up to heavyweight.
‘I was thinking I will give him two fights and then get him in contention for a world title. Then Richard Riakphore pulls out of his world title fight and Opetaia wanted a defence.
‘Jordan was there ready and we got the fight together. In one fight, Jordan could become the No.1 cruiserweight in the world. It’s a really good fight. It’s a dangerous one for both boxers but it’s an exciting one.
‘We’ve also got Ellie Scotney defending her world title on the card. Chev Clarke is in a really tough fight as well. George, Maisey and Shannon Ryan will also feature on the card too.
‘Jimmy Sains will be making his debut. He’s got a huge following and he’s a fantastic amateur. It’s a good fun card. September 30 will start, what will be, 12 or 13 weeks consecutively from next week until the end of the year.
Opetaia will make the first defence of his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight world titles against Thompson on a huge night of boxing at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30.
Opetaia secured the World Cruiserweight Titles in July 2022 after outboxing Mairis Briedis despite breaking his jaw in two different places in the second and final round of their bout
George Liddard (left) and Maisey Rose Courtney (second from the left) will feature of the card
Ellie Scotney (pictured above) will be putting her IBF Super-Bantamweight crown on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa on the same evening
It will make for an interesting fight given Opetaia secured the World Cruiserweight Titles in July 2022 after outboxing Mairis Briedis despite breaking his jaw in two different places in the second and final round of their bout.
He will look to maintain his status at the champion when facing undefeated contender Thompson – who heads into his first shot at world honours off the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena.
Meanwhile, Billericay middleweight George Liddard and flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney have a quick turnaround after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London earlier this month.
Additionally, Watford’s super-flyweight star Shannon Ryan will fight for the sixth time as a pro and Tony Sims’ middleweight prodigy Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.