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

Briton Jack Massey has vowed to take home the IBF cruiserweight title 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 moved up to heavyweight to take on Joseph Parker.

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

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

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

“I come home with that title. My little girl sees that title.”

Massey and Opetaia sat almost next to each other during Thursday’s press conference, looking intently at each other before sharing a handshake.

Opetaia, 29, defeated Mairis Briedis to win the IBF title in 2022 and has made three defenses to extend his unbeaten record to 25.

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

Massey, who worked at a jetty site two years ago, is undefeated at cruiserweight since losing to Richard Riakporhe for the vacant British title in 2019.