The boxer Jai Opetaia has been stripped of the IBF cruiserweight championship for the second time.
The IBF issued a statement on Monday confirming that Opetaia has been stripped of the championship following his participation in the March 8th fight against Brandon Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight championship.
The IBF withdrew its sanction of the fight three days prior, citing that it was misled into believing that Zuffa’s championship would be little more than an object that “characterized as a trophy or a sign of recognition” and would not be eligible for a unification bout.
The fight continued and the IBF had the opportunity to strip Opetaia of his title and declare it vacant. The Australian was also stripped of the title in 2023, when he fought Ellis Zorro instead of his mandatory opponent, Mairis Briedis.
Opetaia defeated Glanton by a wide unanimous decision to claim the Zuffa Cruiserweight World Championship and hoped the IBF would reconsider its stance. However, after reimbursing Opetaia $73,000 in sanctioning fees, the IBF held a board meeting on March 19 and voted to strip Opetaia.
The IBF wishes Jai Opetaia continued success in his career. He rose in the IBF rankings to become World Champion, one of the highest achievements in a boxer’s career. As noted in a previous press release regarding this situation, the IBF rules do not always produce the preferred or popular result, but they provide structure and transparency, serving not only the champion, but also those who hope for the opportunity to fight for the title.
The title is now vacant.
