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Former boxing world champion Jai Opetaia warned Kris Terzievski of Tyson Pedro’s “dangerous power” after a spirited sparring session with the former UFC star on Friday.
After announcing his June 12 ’Uncaged’ debut boxing bout on Tuesday, Pedro wasted little time before tangling with one of the meanest men in Australia.
Pedro, 32, reported a “headache” after going at it with Opetaia in Gosford’s Complete Boxing gym but the unbeaten 28-year-old professional (24-0) didn’t have it all his way.
To watch Tyson Pedro fight Kris Terzievski on June 12, you will need an active Stan subscription. Stan subscribers can order the pay per view for $60 here
“He got me a good shot in the first round so I was like ‘f–k, I’m going to have to pick it up here,” Opetaia said.
“It was good man. He’s dangerous and he’s got a good lead hand. He keeps it right out there, keeps that puzzle, you’ve got to pick your shots. He’s got dangerous power.”
Opetaia is preparing for a rematch against Mairis Briedis in Saudi Arabia on the undercard for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk showdown on May 18.
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“He’s (Pedro) got good pressure so I feel like that’s what my opponent’s going to do,” Opetaia said.
“So good to get rounds and good to adapt to a new style. The dude’s a pretty good boxer, that Kris (Terzievski) dude. I’m excited to watch it…
“I remember meeting Tyson when we were young boys. He’s been around the game, he knows what to do.”
Pedro, meanwhile, was sweaty but satisfied.
“I’ve got a bit of a headache after that,” he said.
“Good rounds, man. He fights the best in the world for a reason. So I’m glad that at my early stage of my career that I can get rounds with him.”
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Pedro starts his official fight camp on Monday.
One of his immediate and obvious focus points was adjusting from the UFC format (3×5 minute rounds) to the 10×3 of boxing.
“I’m not coming in here just to mess around and I’m not taking this opponent (Terzievski) lightly,” Pedro said.
“I want to put in my best work. There’s a lot of doubters but people would be naive to think that we haven’t seen something that we can beat or exploit in Kris.”
Pedro had sparred with Opetaia before during his UFC stars and admired his ring craft.
“He knows how to set you up. He knows how to set traps. Very smart boxer. And that’s one reason why I was so excited to come up and get working with him… he’s (Terzievski) a nice guy, but I’m coming to hurt him.”
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