According to the surgeon who treated him, Claudio Squeo suffered “the worst broken jaw ever seen” following his fight against Jai Opetaia.
The 29-year-old Australian cruiserweight champion successfully defended his IBF title against the courageous Italian challenger on Sunday evening.
Opetaia secured the victory with his characteristic powerful performance, overwhelming the previously undefeated Squeo within five rounds.
A body shot sent Squeo to the canvas in the fourth round, and a powerful lead right hook from the Australian southpaw in the fifth round ended the fight and caused the severe injury.
Opetaia`s team ensured the 34-year-old Squeo received immediate care, taking him to hospital where doctors determined he would need a minimum of THREE metal plates to reinforce his fractured jaw.
In a video shared with permission, Dr. Shannon Webber explained the extent of the injury, stating, “He has two breaks.”
Dr. Webber described how the jaw was hit in one spot, causing it to fracture violently (“BANG”).
“And, when there is one fracture, there is always an exit break. It`s like a ring that always breaks in two spots.”
“And there is a piece of fragmented bone left floating in his left cheek.”
Despite the painful injuries requiring surgery, Squeo was quick to commend Opetaia and his team after the fight, praising both the champion`s dominance in the cruiserweight division and their sportsmanship outside the ring.
Squeo stated post-surgery: “I just came out of surgery to fix the two fractures I sustained in my jaw during the match.”
“The operation went very well. I`m fine.”
“I learned right after the match that Opetaia was concerned about my condition and told his team to take care of me in every way possible.”
“This shows us who the current IBF cruiserweight champion truly is – not just a boxing phenomenon – but a real man, endowed with great sensitivity and heart.”
“This is a boxing story driven by extreme men, filled with incredible tension, but also by boundless mutual respect.”
Opetaia, who himself suffered a broken jaw in his difficult 2022 victory against Mairis Briedis, has now set his sights on a unification bout against Gilberto Ramirez.
He stated, “Next fight Zurdo Ramirez, he’s mentioned me, he’s told me he will fight me next after his mandatory.
“Let’s get it on, I’m chasing that belt, let’s go.”
