Jai Opetaia's long-time manager, Mick Francis, is confident that he is about to unveil another Australian boxing sensation to the world. On July 10th, in Brisbane, Max McIntyre, a cocky 21-year-old super middleweight, will face off against Ukrainian boxer Bohdan Sobol at Fortitude Music Hall, live on Stan Sport. This fight marks a significant step in McIntyre's promising career.
McIntyre, dubbed the 'Money Show', boasts an impressive 10-0 record with nine knockouts. His promoter, Francis, believes he is on the cusp of stardom, stating, 'This kid's going to be a superstar, and it's time to unleash him.' Francis envisions McIntyre as the face of boxing for the next decade, highlighting his charisma, social media presence, and hard work both inside and outside the ring.
The WBA Intercontinental, IBF Pan Pacific, and WBC Australasia titles will be on the line, adding to the high stakes of the fight. McIntyre's last bout, an eight-round battle against the seasoned Tej Pratap Singh, ended with a knockout, solidifying his status as a rising star. His sparring sessions with stablemate Opetaia and the Guatemalan world champion Lester Martinez in Las Vegas have further boosted his confidence.
McIntyre himself expressed his excitement, stating, 'One step closer to what I dream of every single day. A world title and this is a massive leap forward, a massive step up.' He believes that his performance in the spar with Martinez, the WBC champion at his weight, will translate into another highlight-reel knockout, emphasizing his readiness for the challenge.
However, Francis acknowledges the pressure on McIntyre, noting the challenge of managing expectations for a young talent. Despite this, he remains confident in McIntyre's abilities, stating, 'He's built for this.'
The 'Money Show' event promises to be a spectacle, with McIntyre's flamboyant personality and social media presence likely to attract a massive crowd. As Francis predicts, 'He puts himself out there. He works hard, just as hard outside the ring as what he does inside the ring. That is key. He’s going to bring a massive crowd.' The question remains: How far can the 'Money Show' go in the world of boxing?
