Thompson takes on the IBF world cruiserweight champion at the OVO Arena in Wembley on Saturday, live on DAZN.

The chance comes after 15 straight wins, with 12 knockouts, as the undefeated Briton looks to land his first world title.

Opetaia is unbeaten in 22 fights, and he had been expected to fight mandatory challenger Mateusz Masternak and then Richard Riakporhe, but both fighters pulled out before a fight could be made.

Mairis Breidis was unable to challenge for his old belt as a result of injury allowing Thomspon to step in.

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

"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.

"Nothing great comes from comfort zones. To go in there as an underdog, that means a lot to me.

"I've got a load of people to prove wrong, but I also have a lot of people who have stuck by me, so I have those to prove right."

Thompson hopes that a win will take him on to bigger opportunities. 

He added: "This is the fight where I can secure that belt and lock in those real big fights, against those big names, domestically or world scene.”