“The surgery went very well! I’m doing fine.” Among the words shared by our cruiserweight Claudio Squeo on social media a few minutes ago, these are undoubtedly the ones we most wanted to hear and that bring us the most relief. Two days ago in Australia, the courageous fighter from Puglia was knocked out by the formidable IBF world champion Jai Opetaia, who sent him to his knees for the referee’s full count after landing a violent right hook to the jaw.
Dismissed by bookmakers at 17 to 1, Squeo entered the ring with the firm intention of giving his all and stoically managed to withstand his rival’s blows until the fifth round. It’s worth noting that more than half of the 27 opponents Opetaia had faced and defeated as a professional before this match had collapsed in less time.
Immediately after the referee stopped the fight, many had the feeling that Squeo had suffered a serious injury, and it didn’t take long for confirmation to arrive: a fractured jaw and impending surgery. And so, Claudio remained on the other side of the world a few days longer than expected to undergo the operation.
A short while ago, he himself updated us on his condition by writing the following words and sharing them on his Facebook account:
“So many of you are writing to me to know about my condition. A little while ago, I came out of the operating room to repair the two fractures I sustained to my jaw in the match. The surgery went very well. I’m doing fine! All of this was possible thanks to Jai Opetaia’s Team, who are treating me like a brother. They took me to Shannon Webber, the best surgeon in Australia. A special thanks goes to Tasman Fighters for treating me like family. I learned that Jai Opetaia, immediately after the match, was concerned about my condition and told his team to take care of me in every way. This shows us who Jai Opetaia is—besides being a phenomenal boxer, he’s a true man, endowed with great sensitivity and heart. In addition to my respect, Jai Opetaia’s team has entered my heart, and I will forever cherish them immensely. Tomorrow I will write my thoughts, ideas, feelings, and what I experienced during these unforgettable days that made me grow and changed my life.”
The editorial staff of Boxe Punch extends its most sincere congratulations to Jai Opetaia and his team for the sensitivity shown and wishes Claudio Squeo a speedy recovery, hoping to see him back at the top of his game as soon as possible.