Comments Thread For: Chris Billam-Smith explains why he turned down Jai Opetaia

[BoxingUpdates]

When the time is right, Jai Opetaia and Chris Billam-Smith, arguably the world's two best cruiserweights, will share a ring to clear up any uncertainty regarding the identity of the number one fighter at 200lbs
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[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Opetaia is majorly overrated IMO. I make CBS favourite.

[Roj]

CBS may be outsmarting himself: at least you know when you sign to fight Jai he will be reliable enough to show up at the weight and ready to fight. You can’t say that about Zurdo - look at how he screwed Golden Boy and an opponent over by not even bothering to make weight for a fight. Also, what is it with fighters turning down lucrative paydays because “I’m going on holiday” or “It’s too close to my wedding”? The shelf life of a boxing career isn’t very long - why not grab opportunities when they’re there?

[mlac]

Opetaia is majorly overrated IMO. I make CBS favourite.

Really? i like CBS but i dont see how he has a chance, Opetai might be a bit overrated but i dont see any outcome other than Opetai by stoppage.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Really? i like CBS but i dont see how he has a chance, Opetai might be a bit overrated but i dont see any outcome other than Opetai by stoppage.

I think CBS will outwork him on route to a decision. I’ve got reservations about Opetaia’s defence and gas tank.

I think it’s a 50/50 type fight but I’d lean towards CBS. I think he’s the type of fighter that finds a way to win too.

[pnut901]

Opetaia is majorly overrated IMO. I make CBS favourite.

I don't know if I make CBS the favorite, but I agree that Opetaia is over rated.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

I don't know if I make CBS the favorite, but I agree that Opetaia is over rated.

I could see Opetaia winning, it’s a competitive fight for sure.

Opetaia looked great in mismatches against Zorro and Thompson. I thought he looked pretty vulnerable in both Breidis fights. That was a considerably faded Breidis too.

[kiaba360]

Really? i like CBS but i dont see how he has a chance, Opetai might be a bit overrated but i dont see any outcome other than Opetai by stoppage.

I think Opetaia's issue is that he appears to be a glass cannon: he can give better than he can take. However, his toughness is unquestionable. He fought the most important fight of his career with a broken jaw. The fact that he struggled a bit in the rematch wasn't surprising. Breidis had the psychological edge, even-though he was older.

I think CBS has the size and durability to push Opetaia. CBS can win, but he's gonna have to walk through fire.

[Poeticman7]

This is all a moot point if Zurdo wins.

[2fast2strong]

Zurdo has to fight the Cuban KO doctor so I don’t know what CBS is talking about

I don’t think Zurdo gets past the Cuban, and imo the KO doctor makes for a much better unification tournament

Zurdo is just not appealing when he fights in the ring for some reason