One of British cruiserweight Jack Massey’s happy places is looking for treasure, and he certainly has gold on his mind this weekend in Riyadh.
Reigning European and Commonwealth champion Massey earned the belts when he beat Isaac Chamberlain at Selhurst Park in June, will challenge undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia for the IBF bantamweight title live. Sky Sports box office on Saturday.
Massey told about his hobby of metal detecting Sky Sports“I’m really into my story. I think it’s crazy that someone dropped something about 2,000 years ago and you can just go and find it.
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Highlights Massey defeats Isaac Chamberlain to win the European and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles
“I take a stick from my friends. I don’t go to beaches looking for other people’s rings or anything like that. I just like the historical aspect. To be alone in a field where no one rests.
“It’s a bit of meditation, I guess.”
How Massey plans to “exploit” Opetaia
Massey finds a weakness in Opetaia, who took his professional record to 25-0 after beating Mairis Briedis for the second time in May, having previously beaten the veteran Latvian in 2022.
The fact that the 39-year-old Bradys finished stronger this spring has given Massey confidence as he prepares to face a man he considers the best in the cruiserweight division and who he feels has “crazy eyes.”
Massey says Jai Opetaya (pictured) tends to falter in the latter stages of fights
One Smack added: “Briedis gave him his toughest fight but I fought Briedis in Latvia a few years ago and he was carrying a few injuries and was talking about retirement.
“I think Briedis is past his best but he’s looked good towards the back end so that’s what we’re looking at.
“He tends to disappear behind tackles. He starts fast and that could be his downfall, he gets a little tired. That’s why he let Bridis back in.
“I think he’s the leader in the division, but for people who say he’s the next (Olexandr) Usyk, I don’t think he’s put enough to make that kind of statement.”
Massey says being a father and husband has given him extra motivation
“I’m coming to ruin his plans and win the world title”
Massey continued. “I don’t think he’s ever been with anyone like me. I’m on a high. A lot of people turn around thinking I’m just another Brit coming to a slaughterhouse, but they’d be very wrong.
“I know for sure that he takes me seriously, I think he takes every fight seriously. He knows I’m not a trophy and that I come to win, not to get a paycheck.”
Coming off a full 10-rounder with Joseph Parker in early 2023 and heading to Chamberlain a few months ago, Massey is optimistic he can shatter Opetaia’s hopes of unifying the division.
Massey is European and Commonwealth champion
“I respect him for taking up the fight. He’d like to unify the division, but like me, if he can’t get the fights he wants, he’ll get someone else. He’s one of those guys who wants to fight.
“Being with a big puncher like Parker and staying until the end, giving it mine as well, you can take it.
“Then I got 12 rounds against Chamberlain in a short amount of time and that took away any ring rust or cobwebs I might have had.
“I’m coming to ruin his plans and win that world title.”
Fabio Wardley’s massive rematch with Fraser Clarke will be featured on Saturday’s epic Arthur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol bill. to live Sky Sports box office. Book now!
