Australian boxer with broken chin still world champion
It was a big surprise as Briedis was more admired and has lost just one of his 29 professional fights. It was a defeat against Oleksandr Usyk-Ukrainian boxers unified the semi-heavyweight belts when they beat Anthony Joshua in September 2021 and are gaining the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight belts.
Briedis lost the WBC belt to USYK, but then made a strong return to win the championship twice. He also won the World Boxing Super Series in 2020 and is considered one of the top boxers in the semi-heavyweight category.
Opetaya doesn't have such a grand background. Despite remaining unbeaten in his career and competing at the London 2012 Olympics, the Australian boxer has never experienced a top-flight fight like the one on the Gold Coast on July 2. However, he still produced the most memorable win of his career, holding out 12 rounds before winning 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113.
Opetaya's win was even more impressive in the second half when he fractured his jaw, according to Sky Sports. The Australian boxer could carry on, even responding when he broke Briedis' nose in the fourth round.
The Latvian boxer had a bleeding nose and was unable to open his left eye wide from the seventh round, but still dominated the fight with a series of heavy blows. With 80 seconds left in the 10th round, Briedis punched Opetaia but failed to end his opponent.
Opetaya regains balance in the final two rounds before the referee raises his hand for victory. As a result, Australian boxers have improved their record to 22 wins and 17 knockout matches. Opetaya was unable to speak in a post-match interview due to a broken jaw, according to Britain's Sun Sport. He immediately left the ring for medical treatment.
Opetaia is likely to defend the IBF belt against top candidate Richard Riakporhe. Riakporhe promoter Ben Shalom told Sky Sports: "We are very close to the title race. This is Riakporhe's dream in the past year. He doesn't care who his opponent is. Riakporhetin can beat any opponent, and I hope the title race can be held this year."
