In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Dana White has made his first high-profile signing with Zuffa Boxing. The UFC president announced the acquisition of cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, marking a significant step in his venture into the boxing realm. The announcement came just ahead of Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural card on Friday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, headlined by the clash between Callum Walsh and Carlos Ocampo.
Opetaia, the IBF titlist, was previously associated with White’s rival, Eddie Hearn, and Mick Francis’ Tasman Fighters. However, the Australian will now be promoted by both Tasman Fighters and Zuffa Boxing. “I’m thrilled about what’s next,” the 30-year-old champion said. “I’m eager for those big fights and ready to prove myself on the global stage.”
White’s foray into boxing began in June when he partnered with Saudi Arabian boxing chief Turki Alalshikh to launch Zuffa Boxing. Their first major event was Terence Crawford’s undisputed super middleweight title victory over Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium in September.
Industry insiders are now speculating that White’s next target could be David Benavidez. Benavidez is set to move up to cruiserweight on May 2 to challenge unified WBO and WBA titlist Zurdo Ramirez. “The strategic move behind signing Jai Opetaia could be to attract David Benavidez,” suggested one analyst. “If you’re looking for the first true face of the company, you tell David Benavidez, ‘If you come here and sign with us, you get the man. You get Jai Opetaia, the lineal champion, and if you win, you are the star and the champion that you deserve to be.'”
Benavidez, who fought under Alalshikh’s Ring Magazine banner in Riyadh in November, stopped Anthony Yarde in the seventh round to retain his WBC light heavyweight world title. Opetaia, on the other hand, has expressed frustration in his attempts at securing unification bouts but has consistently stated that he won’t move up to heavyweight until he lures the other belt holders into the ring with him.
With these recent developments, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting White’s next move. Will David Benavidez be the next big name to join Zuffa Boxing? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Dana White is making waves in the boxing industry, and fans are in for an exciting ride.
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