Aussie boxing champion Jai Opetaia has recently addressed his controversial stripping of the IBF world title, pledging to pursue unification in the cruiserweight division despite facing setbacks. The Gold Coast native, who is unbeaten in 30 bouts, famously captured the IBF belt from Mairis Briedis in July 2022, enduring a broken jaw during the fight. Following that victory, Opetaia successfully defended his title six times and also won The Ring cruiserweight title.
However, last month, the IBF revoked his title after Opetaia opted to compete in a debut match for the Zuffa Boxing league, established by UFC president Dana White, where he secured a win against Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas. This decision rendered the IBF championship vacant.
After remaining silent about this decision for a month, Opetaia expressed his frustrations during an appearance on the UNSPOKEN podcast with former NRL player Josh Mansour. He articulated his determination to hold all cruiserweight world titles, including the IBF, WBO, and WBC belts, alongside the Zuffa title. Expressing regret over the IBF’s decision to strip him, he stated, “It is what it is… Honestly, I don’t have all the answers.”
Opetaia noted that this was the second time he has been stripped of a title, with the previous instance occurring when he was unable to fight Briedis under IBF agreements. He emphasised the importance of his journey to secure the IBF title and lamented the decision he feels was unfair and based on his association with Zuffa Boxing.
As of now, Australia’s boxing scene is without a male undisputed world champion since Kostya Tszyu, who held all the belts over two decades ago. Opetaia currently possesses The Ring title, while the WBO, WBC, and vacant IBF titles are held by other competitors, including Gilberto Ramirez and Noel Mikaelian.
Opetaia is keen to unify the division, targeting a fight with the winner of the upcoming match between Ramirez and David Benavidez, as he believes that to be recognised as the best cruiserweight, they must face him. He remains optimistic about regaining his place and stated, “I’ve just got to keep winning, but I believe it will happen.” Though he is striving to build his legacy, he is also looking ahead to a potential matchup with former WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith, who has recently signed with Zuffa.
With unwavering resolve, Opetaia has reiterated his lifelong dream of unifying the cruiserweight titles, firmly stating, “I’m not stopping now.”