Jai Opetaia vs Jordan Thompson Could Be Re-Explored Following The Withdrawal Of Richard Riakporhe
- Jai Opetaia Was Supposed To Face Jordan Thompson But The IBF Would Not Grant Him A Voluntary
- Mandatory Challenger Richard Riakporhe Yesterday Withdrew From The Purse Bids Just Hours Before
- Jai Opetaia vs Jordan Thompson Could Now Be Re-Explored With Aussie Seeking Voluntary
Jai Opetaia-Richard Riakporhe was a fight that boxing fans wanted to see.
So it came with much disappointment when we found out yesterday afternoon that this fight would not be taking place.
But one man who might not be as annoyed as the average boxing fan, who hopelessly observes fights they want to see fall through week in, week out without fail, is Jordan Thompson.
When Mateusz Masternak withdrew from the Opetaia purse bids, Matchroom requested a voluntary defence for Opetaia and that was supposed to be an in-house defence against big-punching Mancunian Thompson, as first reported by International Boxing News.
The IBF, however, denied the request and insisted that the Aussie star must defend against Riakporhe next, a let-down for Thompson – but that opportunity might be here again.
With Opetaia-Riakporhe falling through, the IBF will now look to order a mandatory defence against the next highest-rated challenger which would be a rematch with Mairis Briedis, who Opetaia beat last July to win the IBF and Ring Magazine titles.
But NoSmokeSport.com understands that there is a strong possibility that this time around, the Sydney left-hander will be allowed to make a voluntary defence before fulfilling a mandatory obligation.
And that could well be Jordan Thompson.
Also Read; Matchroom Wins O’Shaquie Foster vs Eduardo Hernandez WBC World Title Purse Bids