Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom believes unbeaten cruiserweight contender Jordan Thompson is a very live dog in the upcoming fight with IBF world champion Jai Opetaia.

Opetaia was originally scheduled to face a variety of different names to satisfy a mandatory obligation, including Richard Riakporhe, but for one reason or another the mandatory challengers withdrew.

Thompson was more than willing to step up to the plate and challenges Opetaia at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 30. 

Hearn admits the opportunity is coming a little earlier than expected, as he wanted Thompson to have at least two more fights before going for world honors.

"The main event is a bit of a wild one really. Jordan Thompson is someone who I have looked at thought could be a bit of superstar. He looks fantastic, he speaks very well and he punches really hard. He's also a tremendous athlete. I see him moving up to heavyweight," Hearn explained to The Daily Mail.

"I was thinking I will give him two fights and then get him in contention for a world title. Then Richard Riakphore pulls out of his world title fight and Opetaia wanted a defense. Jordan was there ready and we got the fight together. In one fight, Jordan could become the number one cruiserweight in the world. It's a really good fight. It's a dangerous one for both boxers but it's an exciting one."

The upcoming defense will the first ring appearance for Opetaia since July 2022, when he captured the IBF world title with a twelve round decision over Mairis Briedis. During the fight, Opetaia suffered a broken jaw - which led to months of recovery.

Thompson takes a big step up in class. He saw action back in April when he blasted out Luke Watkins in six rounds at the Cardiff International Arena.