Jai Opetaia, the undisputed holder of the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles, will defend his titles against Jordan Thompson. This fight is set to be the highlight of a night filled with World Championship boxing at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday, September 30, available for viewing live worldwide on DAZN (except in Australia and New Zealand).
Opetaia (22-0, 17 KOs) came out victorious against Mairis Briedis in July 2022, displaying an impressive blend of skill and bravery. In a fight that had fans stunned, Opetaia outclassed the Latvian, even after suffering a jaw injury during the second and final rounds.
Aged 28, Opetaia’s flawless professional record includes 22 wins since he turned pro in August 2015. His fighting career began with a sparkling run in the amateurs, capturing gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011. His crowning achievement came when he represented Australia in the 2012 Olympics in London, making him the youngest-ever Australian Olympic boxer.
Next month, he’s heading back to London, risking his prized possessions against Manchester’s undefeated contender, Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs). Thompson recently triumphed with a dominating sixth-round TKO over Luke Watkins in Cardiff, establishing himself as a serious challenger.
Thompson, a 6′ 7″ force to be reckoned with, has been training under Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Essex. Since signing with Eddie Hearn in June 2021, he’s secured all five of his fights, the latest being his win over Vasil Ducar, claiming the IBF European Title.
I’m feeling pretty upbeat,” expressed Opetaia with a light in his eyes. “We’re nearly there. The gruelling prep is behind us, and we’re all geared up to step into the ring. His height, it’s a significant factor—seems like his only one. Sure, it does allow him to pack a punch, but this isn’t my first rodeo. My life, it’s intertwined with this sport; it’s what I wake up to every day.
“Breidis? He’s yesterday’s news. I’ve set my sights on something new, something fresh. September 30 is the day marked in my calendar. I’m heading to the ring, my man. The preparation, it’s been relentless; we’re ready to tackle whatever comes our way. It’s a tad challenging to draw any insights from his earlier fights—his competition hasn’t really been noteworthy. He hasn’t been pushed to his limits, so his endurance is still a mystery, but all will be unveiled on September 30.”
“I’m not the guy to obsess over my opponent’s moves,” admitted Thompson, the one challenging the title. “We’ve done our groundwork; Tony’s been meticulous, we’re clear on what the night will bring. I’m the sort to hold my energy, to keep it bottled up until the right moment. The ring on Saturday night—that’s when every move counts. That’s the moment of metamorphosis, and oh, it’s ready to happen.
“I don’t really lock in my focus until it’s time to fight. These engagements, the interaction with fans, it’s part of the journey, it’s about giving them a glimpse, a performance. But, the real me, the game-face me, it only comes out when it’s time to fight. I’m aware that keeping a cool demeanor is essential, especially when so much hangs in the balance. Some say I’m the one with nothing to lose, but I beg to differ—I’m putting everything on the line here.
“I’m stepping in there with victory in my veins; it’s just who I am—a born victor, a born champ. When you have the kind of self-belief I have, it’s all about showcasing it, maintaining peace under the pressure, under the glaring lights. A peaceful and clear mind—that’s your best ally when facing the hurdles ahead.
“Some are portraying this as a giant leap for me. But I view it as a mutual escalation. Mairis Breidis, he’s a seasoned player, but I reckon his golden days are a thing of the past. He did deliver, clinched the win, did what needed to be done. I reckon, I’m the real test for him; he hasn’t met a contender like Jordan Thompson before. That’s a guarantee.”
In the women’s division, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (7-0), the 122lbs sensation, will defend her IBF World Title. Her challenger is Argentina’s Laura Soledad Griffa (20-8, 1 KO), who will be attempting to win the IBF Super-Bantamweight for the second time. Griffa, known as ‘La Joya,’ has also contested for other notable titles and achieved victory in her 2023 matches.
Other exciting bouts include dangerous Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) in his first title match against Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) and Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) versus Norway’s Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown.
Adding to the excitement, Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) are back after recent wins. Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) will be in action for the sixth time, and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains is set to make his professional debut.
Opetaia boldly declared, “The time has finally come for a worthy opponent to challenge me, and it appears the fight is on. Kudos to Jordan for accepting the challenge, but I sincerely hope he’s prepared!”
Thompson, with a steely determination, responded, “Opetaia holds the rank of the division’s best, and that’s why I seek to challenge him. September 30th is my moment to shine. I’m not here to merely participate; I’m here to win, to claim victory.”
Scotney, reflecting on her dreams and ambitions, stated, “Holding a World Title was my dream, but my hunger for success doesn’t stop there. I aim to be the undisputed best Super-Bantamweight in the world, and a true champion must defend her title. Come September 30, in the very place where I became World Champion, I will demonstrate the various levels in this sport.”
Griffa, filled with anticipation, exclaimed, “Fighting for the World Title once more thrills me! Ellie Scotney may be skilled, but she lacks the heart and tenacity I possess. I’m a real warrior, ready to wage war in London this September, and bring the World Title back to Argentina.”
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, provided a broad overview, saying, “On September 30, the OVO Arena Wembley will host an incredible double-header featuring IBF Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and Ellie Scotney defending her IBF Super-Bantamweight crown. Jai’s victory over Briedis marked a historic moment for Australian boxing, affirming his position at the top. Jordan’s courage in stepping up to this challenge deserves tremendous admiration. As for Ellie, she’s set on unifying the Super-Bantamweight division and achieving more titles. Don’t miss the undercard with other exciting matchups, all available live on DAZN.”
WEIGHTS / FIGHT CARD
ALL TIMES ARE LOCAL
16:30 DOORS OPEN
16:50 LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL
6 x 2 mins International Flyweight contest
MAISEYROSE COURTNEY 114.2 lbs (Eltham, England) vs MARTINA BERNILE 113.1 lbs (Milan, Italy)
followed by
8 x 2 mins International Super-Flyweight contest
SHANNON RYAN 115.1 lbs (Watford, England) vs XEXIA JORNEAC 113.7 lbs (Hunedoara, Romania)
followed by
4 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
IBRAHEEM SULAIMAAN 135.8 lbs (Birmingham, England) vs JOSHUA OCAMPO 133.6 lbs (Cucuta, Colombia)
followed by 0
6 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
GEORGE LIDDARD 162.6 lbs (Billericay, England) vs PETER KRAMER 160.5 lbs (Budapest, Hungary)
19:00 LIVE ON DAZN
followed by
10 x 2 mins IBF Super-Bantamweight World Title
ELLIE SCOTNEY 121.6 lbs (Catford, England) vs LAURA SOLEDAD GRIFFA 120.5 lbs (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
followed by
10 x 2 mins vacant EBU European Lightweight Title
RHIANNON DIXON 134.4 lbs (Warrington, England) vs KATHARINA THANDERZ 134.2 lbs (Oslo, Norway)
followed by
4 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
JIMMY SAINS 162.3 lbs (Hornchurch, England) vs BARTLOMIEJ STRYCZECK 162 lbs (Bestwina, Poland)
followed by
10 x 3 mins vacant IBF International Cruiserweight Title
CHEAVON CLARKE 198.3 lbs (Gravesend, England) vs VASIL DUCAR 199.4 lbs (Brno, Czech Republic)
followed by
12 x 3 mins IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles
JAI OPETAIA 198.6 lbs (Sydney, Australia) vs JORDAN THOMPSON 198.9 lbs (Manchester, England)
