Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis 2: Live updates, round-by-round scoring, results

Live results: Jai Opetaia won UD-12 over Mairis Briedis (117-111, 116-112, 116-112) Opetaia wins IBF Cruiserweight title

A cruiserweight rivalry is renewed when Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) takes on Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) on Saturday, May 18. This bout is the co-main event of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, as main card coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET on DAZN and ESPN+.

We’ll have round-by-round coverage of both fights, starting with Opetaia-Briedis who have projected ringwalks of 5:05 p.m. ET.

This is the second fight between Opetaia and Briedis, as Opetaia prevailed with an unanimous decision win back in 2022. In a closely contested bout, Opetaia survived a late surge from Opetaia to secure the victory.

Both have had success at the cruiserweight level as Opetaia held the IBF belt and is currently The Ring titleholder. Briedis once held the IBF, The Ring, WBC, and WBO belts on separate occasions.

Opetaia is the -650 betting favorite on Draftkings Sportsbook. Briedis enters with +450 odds to win. The favored method of victory is Opetaia to win by knockout (-145).

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis round-by-round results

Round 1: Opetaia 10-9

Slow start for both, but now Opetaia presses forward. Short jab from Opetaia. Not much action from Briedis.

Round 2: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 20-18)

Big time right hook from Opetaia and Briedis immediately goes in for a tie up. Another combination from Opetaia and now the two exchange blows in the corner. Briedis now responds with a right that shakes Opetaia.

Round 3: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 30-27)

Opetaia a little bit more patient to start out the round. Now he comes forward with a big left hook that connects. More faints from Opetaia and Briedis a little hesitant to throw. Briedis goes for a hook to the body but Opetaia covers it.

Round 4: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 40-36)

Briedis delivers one of his best punches of the fight, a left hand. Cut now forming near his right eye. Major left hook to the body followed by one to the head from Opetaia. Straight jab from Opetaia.

Round 5: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 50-45)

Left uppercut from Briedis misses, Opetaia tries a counter but the two tie up. More faints from Opetaia. Briedis tries a one-two but Opetaia covers up. A dull round for the most part, but Opetaia stepping forward more and showing aggression.

Round 6: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 60-54)

Major left hook from Opetaia and Briedis is feeling it. Another punch lands upstairs for Opetaia and Briedis masking a huge gash on his nose. Another left hand from Opetaia and Briedis head snaps backward. Briedis not looking good and Opetaia pouring it on.

Round 7: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 70-63)

A lot of ring rust for Briedis and seemingly Opetaia’s fight to lose. Looks like Opetaia is taking this round off a bit and trying to gain energy for a finish soon. However, Briedis not taking advantage of it and not connecting on much. Opetaia in control so far.

Round 8: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 80-72)

Briedis comes forward with a combination but misses again. Tie up in the middle of the ring. More faints from Opetaia. Each time Opetaia goes forward, Briedis quick to clinch. Briedis with a slight low blow. Another clinch and this round is over.

Round 9: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 90-81)

Right hand falls short for Briedis. Right hand from Opetaia. Straight left also connects for Opetaia. Left to the body. Clinch from Briedis. The nose of Briedis not in good shape as Opetaia cruising late.

Round 10: Opetaia 10-9 (Opetaia 100-90)

Briedis growing with frustration each time he attempts a punch he misses then clenches. Big left hand from Opetaia and Briedis flies backward. More exhanges and Briedis sneaks an uppercut that temporarily stuns Opetaia. The two clinch and the round.

Round 11: Briedis 10-9 (Opetaia 109-100)

What a change of events as Briedis lands an early haymaker that has Opetaia a bit wobbly. More clenching from both. Briedis now with a late surge here and has done enough to steal the round. A case maybe of too little too late, he’ll need a 12th round KO.

Round 12: Briedis 10-9 (Opetaia 118-110)

Briedis leaving it all on the canvas, one-two from him. Opetaia just holding on and trying to avoid any power punches from Briedis. Major right hand from Briedis and he’s looking to send Opetaia to the canvas. Straight jab from Opetaia. What a showcase from these two and man Briedis did everything he could to catch up on the scorecards.

Unofficial score: Opetaia 118-110