Beterbiev v Bivol: Jack Massey promises to beat Jai Opetaia to deliver world title for his daughter

Briton Jack Massey has promised to bring the IBF cruiserweight title back home for his daughter as he prepares to face champion Jai Opetaia in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Massey, 31, has won six of his past seven fights, with his only defeat coming when he stepped up to heavyweight to face Joseph Parker.

He meets Opetaia in Riyadh, on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed light-heavyweight fight against Dmitry Bivol.

“It’s a massive opportunity,” Massey said.

“I’m doing this for my little girl and family. That’s the fire in my belly.

“I am coming home with that title. My little girl is seeing that title.”

Massey and Opetaia were sitting almost side-by-side during Thursday’s news conference and engaged in a tense stare-off, before sharing a handshake.

Opetaia, 29, beat Mairis Briedis to win the IBF belt in 2022 and has made three defences to extend his undefeated record to 25.

The Australian said he is not overlooking Massey but also vowed to “take the title home” for his daughter.

Massey, who was working on a scaffolding site two years ago, is undefeated at cruiserweight since losing against Richard Riakporhe for the vacant British title in 2019.