Chris Billam-Smith
WBO cruiserweight world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

This needs to be stopped. Jordan is out on his feet here.

Thompson is down.

He's quickly back to his feet but it's not looking great.

Chris Billam-Smith
WBO cruiserweight world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Blood is pouring from Thompson's nose and he's touching it, which is not a good sign. Thompson looks a little bit like a deer in the headlights here.

That left is really doing the business.

Again, it lands cleanly - twice - and Thompson backs away and covers up.

Thompson looks too flat-footed, he's not able to get out the way of these shots.

A little bit of a response in the final 20 seconds from Thompson as he lands his first punches.

There's a bit of blood on the chest and arm of Opetaia... it isn't his.

Chris Billam-Smith
WBO cruiserweight world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Opetaia is lunging in, looking for a big shot. Trying to land again and hurt Jordan.

Oof. I've just seen the replay of how that all unfolded at the end of the first round and Opetaia caught Thompson with a big left straight on the nose.

This might not last too long.

Image source, Matchroom

Viddal Riley is the new English cruiserweight champion. He beats Nathan Quarless 100-90 on points.

Caroline Dubois expected in the ring at York Hall shortly.

Image source, PA media

The big question for me was can Opetaia close the range?

Well, he manages to do it pretty easily in the opening round.

Some decent shots to the body, not with a huge amount of intent behind them but enough to let Thompson know he's there.

And then Opetaia really starts to open up. He has Thompson literally on the ropes in the final seconds.

"THE TIME IS NOW!"

Those are the words of ring announcer David Diamante as we go through the credentials of the two fighters.

We're almost there.

Image source, Matchroom

Who wins and how? Is Opetaia set to defend his IBF cruiserweight title? Or is underdog Thompson being overlooked?

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter via #bbcboxing, WhatsApp on 03301 231826 or text 81111 - standard UK message rates apply.

National anthem time.

Jai Opetaia's cousin, Benson Wilson, is signing the Australian and Samoan national anthems.

This family is brimming with talent!

That's Tim Cahill, formerly of Everton and Australia, ex-rugby league player Ben Roberts and now Wilson.

And now it's the turn of the champion Jai Opetaia.

He's staying true to his roots and has gone with 'The Greatest' by New Zealand-based band SIX60.

A slow burner but, once it kicks in, not a bad call.

Now he just has go and prove he really is The Greatest in that ring tonight.

It's main event time and here comes the challenger Jordan Thompson.

We were talking about our walkout songs earlier tonight and Meek Mill's 'Dreams and Nightmares' wasn't on our list... but that's what Thompson has gone for.

He bounces around at the top of the ram in his purple robe with gold trim - it looks pretty regal and maybe even Game of Thrones-esque - before strutting down to the ring.

Biggest night his his career? You wouldn't know it.

Image source, Matchroom

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert

I was with Opetaia this week and I was struck by how small he is. I looked at him and thought he was a big middleweight, not a cruiserweight.

I know Thompson is quite extreme at 6ft 6in, but I was surprised at how small Opetaia was.

But does Jordan have the pedigree to comfortably use that size advantage? I think Thompson, whatever happens, will come out swinging.

Eddie Hearn
Matchroom promoter on BBC Radio 5 Live

Jai Opetaia is a massive talent. Is Jordan good enough? He punches hard enough. We've got the best cruiserweight in the world about to walk out. Jordan's rolling the dice in London.

Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew: "Tonight is the night for Jordan Thompson to show he belongs at this level. He’s going in with the best cruiserweight in the world and deserves so much credit for wanting to test himself against the best. Opetaia is brilliant fighter who can box and punch."

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn: “Jordan Thompson has freakish punch power and tremendous speed. This is an electric fight.”

Former world champion and coach Andy Lee: “Huge opportunity for Jordan Thompson. Met him first in the Fury camp for Wilder 2. He’s an underdog tonight but he can really punch so has a chance. Should be a good fight.”

Can confirm Shane McGuigan has made it to York Hall for Caroline Dubois' first bid to win a title as a pro.

Phew!

Image source, Boxxer

Image source, Getty Images

In the space of eight years Jordan Thompson has gone from making his pro debut at the Village Hotel in Aston Under Lyne to a world title shot and headlining at OVO Wembley Arena.

He has won all 15 of his fights, earning 12 knockouts, and he stopped domestic rival Luke Watkins in his last bout, defending the IBF European cruiserweight title.

But the opportunity to face Jai Opetaia, who is yet to lose in 22 fights, for the IBF cruiserweight title came much sooner than expected.

Poland's mandatory challenger Mateusz Masternak withdrew from negotiations, Briton Richard Riakporhe also withdrew from the purse bids and then former champion Mairis Briedis, next in line, was ruled out through injury.

"It was a tiny bit of a shock, but I've worked my way up the rankings," Thompson says.

"I've won the IBF international belt, European belt. Whatever happened with the other boxers passing up the opportunity, I was next on the list.

"There are a few people out there saying I'm not deserving of it, but I've done what I've need to do, won my fights. I feel like the shot has been earned."

Image source, Matchroom

We've seen plenty of top-level cruiserweights move up to heavyweight as their career develops and, who knows, that could be where Thompson ends up.

The Brit, who stands at 6ft 7in, towered over 6ft 2in Jai Opetaia when they weighed-in on Friday.

Thompson hit the scales at 14st 3lbs with Opetaia coming in at 14st 2lbs.

"How does Jordan makes cruiserweight? He came in just a pound under," said promoter Eddie Hearn.

"I thought he looked a bit tight but he's massive. He's a giant.

"I've been impressed with Jordan Thompson. He hasn't wilted. He's under pressure and he knows that but he feels it's his time."