Robert Whittaker gives an insight into his sparring sessions with a boxing world champion

07/09/2024 15:58

Robert Whittaker has given an insight into his sparring sessions with the Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308.

The middleweight titans will clash in an eagerly-anticipated rescheduled bout on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Robert Whittaker reveals what it was like to spar Jai Opetaia

With his major collision with Khamzat Chimaev just around the corner, Robert Whittaker is going all-out to ensure he’s left no stone unturned.

With that in mind, he’s enlisted the help of IBF boxing King, Jai Opetaia, who’s been helping him sharpen his skills at Doyle Boxing Club in Sydney, Australia.

Having proven himself as one of the best strikers in the 185-pound division, Whittaker is taking the opportunity to fine-tune his skills.

The Australian is reveling in the chance to train with his countryman, believing the hard rounds will take him to a new level.

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In an interview with Sporting News Australia, the former champion said: "He [Opetaia] is one of the best in the world, easily. I'm privileged to be able to spar him just because of how much I can gain out of it. No one in my division in the UFC has better pure boxing striking than he does.

“To be able to work with him, I can see things that he's taking advantage of, he exposes all my weaknesses, and I get to sharpen and hone my reflexes and eyes and timing.”

Jai Opetaia praises Robert Whittaker ahead of UFC 308

While Whittaker has enjoyed the process of sparring Opetaia, the situation has benefited both men, with the cruiserweight revealing that his fellow Aussie has given him some good work.

The power puncher, who’s set to defend his belt against Jack Massey on October 12, explained that ‘The Reaper’ has more than held his own.

Opetaia said: "He is a crafty dude in that ring. It's always good to mix it. We're world class in that ring, when you're doing boxing sparring with us, you've got to rise, you've got to be on your game. I feel like it can help him with his confidence too. If he can mix it up in there and move in the ring with us, his standup must be alright, which it is.

"Obviously, he's got to watch out for a lot more than just punches [in MMA], he adapts well, he's comfortable in the ring, he holds himself well, in and outside of the ring. I've got a lot of respect for Rob.”

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