Considered one of British cruiserweight Jack Massey’s blissful locations is looking for treasure and he definitely has gold on his thoughts in Riyadh this weekend.
The reigning European and Commonwealth champion – Massey earned these belts when he beat Isaac Chamberlain at Selhurst Park in June – will problem unbeaten Australian Jai Opetaia for the IBF cruiserweight title, reside on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace on Saturday.
On his interest of metallic detecting, Massey instructed Sky Sports activities: “I am actually into my historical past. I believe is it mad that somebody has dropped one thing almost 2,000 years agon and you’ll simply go and discover it.
“I get some stick off my mates. I don’t go on beaches looking for other people’s rings or stuff like that. I just like the history side. Being on your own in a field with no one about is relaxing.
“It’s kind of of meditation, I suppose.”
How Massey plans to ‘exploit’ Opetaia
Massey detects a weak spot in Opetaia, who took his skilled document to 25-0 after outpointing Mairis Briedis for a second time in Might, having beforehand crushed the veteran Latvian in 2022.
The very fact 39-year-old Breidis completed this spring’s contest the stronger has given Massey confidence as he prepares to face a person he considers one of the best within the cruiserweight ranks and one he feels possesses “crazy eyes”.
Massey says Jai Opetaia (pictured) tends to fade within the latter levels of fights
‘One Smack’ added: “Briedis has given him his toughest fight but I sparred with Briedis a few years ago in Latvia and he was carrying a few injuries and talking about retirement then.
“I believe Briedis is previous his finest however he appeared good in the direction of the again finish so that’s one thing we’re . I all the time end sturdy and I believe that is the place I’m going to use [Opetaia].
“He does tend to fade off in the back end of fights. He starts fast and that can be his downfall, he tires out a little bit. That’s why he let Briedis back in.
“I consider he’s prime of the pecking order within the division however for folks saying he’s the subsequent [Oleksandr] Usyk, I do not suppose he has been put by way of it sufficient to make statements like that.”
Massey says being a father and a husband has given him added motivation
‘I’m coming to spoil his plans and take that world title’
Massey continued: “I don’t think he has been in with anyone like myself. I’m levels above. A lot of people are getting twisted, thinking I am just another Brit coming to the slaughterhouse, but they are very mistaken.
“I do know for a reality he takes me severely, I believe he takes each battle severely. He is aware of I’m no mug and that I’m coming for a win, not for the payday.”
Having lasted the full 10 rounds with Joseph Parker in early 2023 and seen off Chamberlain a few months ago, Massey is optimistic he can shatter Opetaia’s hopes of unifying the division.
Massey is the European and Commonwealth cruiserweight champion
“I respect him for taking the fight. He would have wanted to unify the division but, like me, if he can’t get the fights he wants he will take whoever. He is one of those guys who wants to fight.
“Being in with an enormous puncher like Parker and sticking in till the top, giving it my very own as effectively, you’ll be able to take that away.
“I then got a solid 12 rounds in against Chamberlain at short notice and that has blown away any ring rust or cobwebs I might have had.
“I’m coming to spoil his plans and take that world title.”
Fabio Wardley’s huge rematch with Frazer Clarke is on the epic Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol bill on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Ebook now!
