Jai Opetaia was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight world title for taking a Saudi Arabian payday to fight Ellis Zorro.
But Opetaia made the most of the opportunity on Sunday morning, catching his opponent with a left to the chin and sent him crashing to the canvas in the dying seconds of the first round.
“I trained for 12 rounds, but if the knockout comes, it comes,” Opetaia said.
“He was very hesitant, but he was a bit too hesitant and he got clipped. That’s the way it goes.”
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“I did [take some of the week’s frustration out in the ring], but look at this place. I’m happy to be here,” Opetaia added.
“I’m pumped, first round knockout, I’m ready for the next fight. The last 18 months is all part of the journey.
“It’s all built to where I am now and I’m excited for the next step. These dudes put the people in front of me and I knock them out.”
It took just 176 seconds for Opetaia to bring an end to the fight and promoter Eddie Hearn said it is ‘inevitable’ that the Australian takes over the entire division before moving up to heavyweight.
“I believe Jai can do the same thing [as Oleksandr Usyk],” Hearn says.
“I would like to see him become undisputed in the cruiserweight before he moves up to heavyweight.
“And that is inevitable, this is one of the most exciting fighters on the planet. He’s one of the best fighters on the planet.”