Jose Benavidez Sr. has delivered a harsh assessment of Jai Opetaia, comparing him with David Morrell, while discussing a potential showdown with David Benavidez.
Following David Benavidez’s dominant cruiserweight title victory over Gilberto Ramirez, speculation has continued growing regarding possible future fights against elite names such as Opetaia, Dmitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez, and Oleksandr Usyk.
However, Benavidez Sr. stated that he does not view Opetaia as a serious threat to his son.
Benavidez Sr. says Opetaia is not better than Morrell
A few days ago, Shakur Stevenson claimed that David Morrell is a better fighter than Jai Opetaia, based on their résumés and overall ability. Benavidez Sr. was asked for his opinion on the debate.
Speaking to Mill City Boxing, Benavidez Sr. immediately dismissed suggestions that Opetaia is a superior fighter to David Morrell.
“Hell no, I don’t think he’s better than David Morrell, not at all,” Benavidez Sr. said.
While acknowledging Opetaia’s overall ability, the veteran trainer then launched into a detailed criticism of the Australian champion’s style and skill set.
“Don’t get me wrong. I think Jai Opetaia is a good fighter,” he said.
Benavidez Sr. questions Opetaia’s defense and chin
Benavidez Sr. specifically pointed toward what he believes are major flaws in Opetaia’s game.
“He doesn’t have a chin,” he claimed.
According to him, Opetaia regularly shows vulnerability during fights despite continuing to win.
“In all his fights, he gets hurt.”
The outspoken trainer also criticized several technical aspects of the Australian’s boxing ability.
“I don’t think he has a good jab. I don’t think he has good defense. I don’t think he has good body shot. I don’t think he has a good uppercut.”
Despite those criticisms, Benavidez Sr. still acknowledged Opetaia’s success inside the ring.
“He’s just a good fighter.”
Benavidez Sr. predicts early knockout for David Benavidez against Opetaia
Benavidez Sr. ultimately predicted that his son would overwhelm Opetaia quickly if the two ever met.
“I see with Jai Opetaia, David will probably stop him in one or two rounds,” he said.
The comments add further intrigue to a potential matchup that has recently gained traction following Benavidez’s move up in weight and capturing the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles. Opetaia remains one of the most dangerous names in the cruiserweight division.
However, he has signed with Dana White’s new boxing venture, Zuffa Boxing, and became the inaugural champion in the promotion by securing a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Glanton. IBF stripped the Australian of his world title just before the fight because it refused to sanction the match.
Opetaia responded positively to David Benavidez’s callout. Still, now that he is with Zuffa, things have gotten complicated as the new WBA and WBO champion has made it clear that he won’t be going to Zuffa.
