“In a perfect world I would fight for the WBC next against Noel, and then I would fight Benavidez for the other two belts, and I would go undisputed, and then I would go up to heavyweight,” Opetaia told talkSPORT.
“But I have a feeling it’s not going to be that simple, and they’re going to drag it out for quite a while, and I’m going to have to kind of zigzag to get to this destination. But if that’s what I have to do, I have to do it.”
Opetaia also said he believes signing with Zuffa was the right move despite criticism early on.
“Man, they just agreed on everything I was kind of chasing. I knew coming in they were going to have to move at a fast pace and make a lot of noise really fast. And that’s exactly what I want to do,” says Opetaia.
“I want to chase the big fights, get things over the line, and they’ve got the backing to do that. When I first signed with them, I believed in them. I took a chance. Look at everybody now. Now everybody’s signing with him.
“So, I made the right decision. Everyone badmouthed me in the beginning, but now it’s like you’re not part of Zuffa, bro, you’re missing out.”
The 30-year-old also made it clear that he is in no rush to move up to heavyweight, despite increasing interest in potential fights there.
“Definitely. It’s always been the division. And to be honest, man, I’m 30 years old. I’m in no rush. Everybody just saw me and they always said, ‘Oh, go up to heavyweight,'” Opetaia said.
“Relax. Take your time. How old was Usyk when he went up? Just because I’m raving and I’m on the big screen and stuff, everybody wants me to chase my dreams for their satisfaction. No. I’m on my own journey. I’m walking at my own pace.
“Undisputed is what I’m chasing. Undisputed is what I’m going to get. And then we’re going to move up to heavyweight.”
Opetaia admitted he would take a fight against Usyk if the opportunity ever came, but he doesn’t expect it to happen anytime soon.
“You asked me if I would fight him? Yes, of course I would fight him. This is a great fighter, and he is one of the best, and I would love to share the ring with him,” said Opetaia.
“But I have more respect to just sit here and say, ‘Oh, I’ll fight him.’ I just feel it’s unrealistic. He’s on top and he wants to do his thing. I feel he has bigger fights to make.”
