Now the unbeaten young gun is confident he can match it with the best in the division, adamant "I am on that world title level".

Opetaia moved to 19-0 with a TKO victory over former world title challenger Mark Flanagan (24-8) in the National Boxing Series opener at the Hordern Pavilion on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old now sets his sights on bigger fights as he edges towards a world championship opportunity - something leading promoter Dean Lonergan thinks could be as few as three or four bouts away.

Opetaia sat 12th in the world in the WBA rankings (for whom the super champion is Frenchman Arsen Goulamirian, the regular champion is Kazakh Beibut Shumanov, and the interim title holder is Belgian Ryad Merhy).

He was 10th in IBF (whose cruiserweight Cuban Yunier Dorticos) king is and 13th in WBO (where Latvia's Mairis Briedis reigns supreme) leading into his bout with Flanagan.

Now a decisive victory has him convinced a title shot is on the horizon which could see him mirror the rise of Jeff Horn.

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"Definitely. I'm a lot closer, it's good. I came out and I made a statement," Opetaia said.

"I went out there and I put on a good show, I dominated the fight. I showed I am a class above and I am on that world title level. I'm ready for these bigger fights.

"I'm over the moon. I've waited for this opportunity for a long time. He's been at the top of the tree for a long time, so it's good to beat him in my hometown."

To make such a statement on live television makes this perhaps Opetaia's finest victory. So it was fitting it happened in his own backyard.

Because this young gun is not one to forget his roots - a glance at the Samoan and Australian flags adorning his trunks is more than enough proof.

The sight of Opetaia's dressing room following the bout was something to behold. One must walk upstairs and muscle their way through the masses to even get a glimpse of the man of the hour.

A slew of regional championship belts turned an ordinary table into one fit for a king, such was the amount of gold sitting on it.

But the most important thing to Opetaia was those closest to him. His family and friends surrounded him and broke into song to celebrate the biggest night of his career.

A Samoan flag was waving in the air, one so big the weight of the material alone was enough to knock someone off balance - much like Opetaia's hands did to Flanagan.

Moments like these are ones to savour for a rising star in world boxing special enough to earn the praise of Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi.

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"Culture is everything. Culture and family," Opetaia said.

"It's something I am very proud of and I represent the people. We can't forget where we come from, you know what I mean? I'll remember that and try to lead the way for some of the younger boys.

"It's awesome, bro. To have everyone behind me, it means a lot. I'm honoured, I'm truly honoured to have the Samoan people and Australia behind me. It's an honour."