As the countdown to his Zuffa Boxing debut continues, IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia finds himself in a peculiar situation. With less than a month until his highly anticipated fight, Opetaia remains uncertain whether his IBF title will be on the line. This uncertainty adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling narrative surrounding the Australian boxer’s career.
Opetaia’s journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of cruiserweight title unifications. His frustration is palpable, stemming from the inability to secure a showdown with Gilberto, the unified WBA and WBO titleholder. This frustration has only fueled Opetaia’s determination to solidify his legacy in the cruiserweight division.
The Australian sensation is set to face American Brandon Glanton in the first-ever Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title fight. This bout will headline the Zuffa Boxing 04 event on March 8 in Las Vegas, a venue synonymous with high-stakes boxing matches. Opetaia’s last fight in December against Huseyin Cinkara ended in an eighth-round knockout, marking his 29th career victory and fourth successful defense of his IBF belt. With a professional record of 29-0, Opetaia’s credentials are impeccable.
Opetaia’s potential unification bout with WBC belt-holder Noel Mikaelian has garnered significant attention. The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, has expressed support for this unification fight, adding another layer of anticipation to the cruiserweight division. Mikaelian and Opetaia have already faced off at the first Zuffa Boxing event, setting the stage for a potential title unification bout.
Meanwhile, the cruiserweight division continues to evolve with other notable developments. Agit Kabayel’s retention of his WBC interim title belt positions him as the mandatory challenger for full world champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, Usyk is permitted to make a voluntary defense of his WBC title, which he holds alongside the IBF and WBA belts, before facing Kabayel.
As Opetaia prepares for his Zuffa Boxing debut, the boxing world watches with bated breath. The uncertainty surrounding his IBF title status only adds to the drama, making this fight a must-watch event. Opetaia’s quest for unification and his impressive track record make him a formidable force in the cruiserweight division. Whether his IBF title will be on the line or not, one thing is certain: Jai Opetaia is a name that will continue to resonate in the world of boxing.
Team_TBE Boxing
🛒 Premium Recommendations
![Apple iPhone XS Max (512GB, Silver) [Locked] + Carrier Subscription](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sITK2GB1L._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
STEPR+ Stair Master with 27" Touchscreen, Commercial Grade Stairmaster Machine for Home, 140 Steps/Min, Bluetooth & WiFi Stepper Machine, Resistance Band Attachments, Mobile App, 375 lb Capacity
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.