One of British cruiserweight Jack Massey’s happy places is finding treasure and gold is certainly on his mind this weekend in Riyadh.
Massey, the reigning European and Commonwealth champion, won the belt by beating Isaac Chamberlain at Selhurst Park in June. He is set to challenge undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia for the IBF cruiserweight title. Sky Sports Ticket Office On Saturday.
Of his hobby of metal detecting, Massey said: sky sports: “I’m very interested in history. If someone dropped something almost 2,000 years ago and I just go and look it up, I’d be upset.
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Highlights of Massey defeating Isaac Chamberlain to win the European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles
“I get scolded by my colleagues. I don’t go to the beach looking for other people’s rings or anything like that. I just like history. It’s relaxing to be alone in a field with no one around.
“I guess it’s a little meditation.”
How Massey plans to ‘exploit’ Opetaia
Massey sensed Opetaia’s weakness with a second win in May over Mairis Briedis, who had previously beaten the veteran Latvian in 2022, taking his professional record to 25-0.
The fact that the 39-year-old Breidis finished competing this spring has given Massey confidence as he prepares to face a man he considers the best in the cruiserweight ranks and a man he believes has “crazy eyes.”
Massey said Jai Opetaia (pictured) tends to fade away in the later stages of a fight.
“Bridis gave him his toughest fight, but I sparred with him in Latvia a few years ago and at the time, Briedis had a few injuries and was talking about retirement,” said ‘One Smack.’ added.
“I think Briedis is past his best, but he’s been good on the back end so that’s what we’re looking at. “I always finish strong and I think that’s where I’ll take advantage (Opetaia).
“He tends to fade away in the second half of the fight. He starts fast and that can be his downfall. He gets a little tired. That’s why he let Briedis back in.
“I believe he’s the top of the order in the division, but for people saying he’s the next (Oleksandr) Usyk, I don’t think he’s been through enough to say that.”
Massey said becoming a father and husband has motivated him even more.
‘I will ruin his plans and win the world title’
Massey went on to add: “I don’t think he’s ever been with someone like me. I’m a level higher. A lot of people are being distorted and thinking I’m just another Brit coming to the abattoir, but they’re very mistaken.
“I know he takes me seriously. I think he takes every fight seriously. He knows I’m not a mug and I’m coming for the win, not for the payday.”
Massey, who lasted a full 10 rounds with Joseph Parker in early 2023 and sent Chamberlain off a few months ago, is optimistic he can dash Opetaia’s hopes of unifying the division.
Massey is the European and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion.
“I respect him for fighting. He would have wanted to unify the division, but if he couldn’t have the fight he wanted, like me, he would take anyone. He’s one of those guys that wants to fight.
“If I stick with a big puncher like Parker and stick with him until the end and give him what’s mine, I can take it away.
“I then put in a solid 12 rounds against Chamberlain in a short period of time, which blew away any ring rust or cobwebs I might have had.
“I’m going to ruin his plans and win the world title.”
A huge rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke is on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bill for Saturday. keep living Sky Sports ticket office. Book now!
