“In a perfect world, I’d be fighting for the WBC next against Noel, and then I’d be fighting Benavidez for the other two belts, and I’d become undisputed, and then I’d go up to heavyweight,” Opetaia told talkSPORT.
“But I’ve got a feeling it’s not going to be that simple, and they’re going to drag it out for a fair bit, and I’m going to have to sort of zigzag to get to this destination. But if that’s what I got to do, I got 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 sort of chasing. I knew them coming in was a they were going to have to move at a fast pace and make big noise real quick. And that’s exactly what I want to do,” said Opetaia.
“I want to chase the big fights, get stuff over the line, and they got the backing to do it. When I first signed with them, I believed in them. I took a chance. Now look at everyone. Now everyone’s signing with him.
“So, I made the right decision. Everyone was badmouthing me at the start, but now it’s like if you ain’t part of Zuffa, bro, you’re missing out.”
The 30-year-old also made clear he is in no rush to move to heavyweight despite growing 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. Everyone’s just seen me around and they always going, ‘Oh, go up to heavyweight,” said Opetaia.
“Relax. Take your time. How old was Usyk when he went up? Just because I’m making noise and I’m on the big screen and stuff like that, everyone wants me to rush my dreams for their satisfaction. No. I’m on my own journey. I walk at my own pace.
“Undisputed is what I’m chasing. Undisputed is what I’m going to get. And then we’re going to go up to heavyweight.”
Opetaia admitted he would take a fight against Usyk if the opportunity ever came, but he does not expect it to happen anytime soon.
“You asked me if I’d fight him? Yes, obviously I’d fight him. That’s an amazing fighter, and he’s one of the best, and I would love to share the ring with him,” said Opetaia.
“But I’ve got more respect to just sit here and say, ‘Oh, I’ll fight him.’ I just feel like it’s unrealistic. He’s up the top and he’s looking to do his thing. I feel like he’s got bigger fights to make.”
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