Jai Opetaia, the undefeated IBF and The Ring champion, has his sights set on unifying titles in the cruiserweight category, and will not be rushed on his path. The Australian boxer, with an impeccable record, is preparing to defend his belts against Turkish challenger Huseyin Cinkara (23-0) on December 6th on the Gold Coast. This fight will mark his eighth fight since he conquered both titles more than three years ago and comes after two resounding knockout victories in 2025, raising his record to 28-0. Despite his impressive achievements, 30-year-old Opetaia has yet to unify the titles, due, in part, to the power he possesses and the small Australian commercial market, which has deterred other belt holders. Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez, holder of the WBO and WBA belts, is one of the main obstacles, as he announced a defense for May of next year against the American David Benavidez, marking his return after a shoulder surgery. Badou Jack, born in Sweden and residing in Las Vegas, will put his WBC belt on the line in a rematch against Noel Mikaelian in Los Angeles on December 6. Opetaia’s team has criticized Ramírez for avoiding Opetaia, who, if all goes according to plan on the Gold Coast, will first target Jack’s WBC belt.
They are playing, but we keep winning.
Jai Opetaia
I’m not in a hurry. I’m calm, winning, I feel good and fighting, doing my thing, and these fights will come.
Jai Opetaia
Mick Francis, head of Tasman Fighters and promoter of Opetaia, revealed that they will fly to the United States immediately after the fight against Cinkara to address the situation with the winner of that fight. Opetaia, although not interested in submitting to unnecessary demands, will comply with the requirements.I will not let anyone rush or speed up the process of achieving my dreams.
Jai Opetaia
I don’t know why I would have to fly and face him; it’s getting a bit stupid.
Jai Opetaia
If he wants to fight, we will fight. The event, which will take place on the Gold Coast, will feature a stellar lineup including former world champion Jason Moloney, heavyweights Justis Huni and Teremoana Jnr, Max McIntyre, Ben Mahoney and Paul Fleming against Jake Wyllie. In a groundbreaking move, Francis has forged an alliance with Stan Sports in a pay-per-view deal, which will become the streaming service’s largest boxing production, competing with Fox Sports’ Main Event and the global streaming service DAZN. Opetaia, the youngest Australian Olympic boxer at the London 2012 Games at just 17 years old, and Huni were Francis’ first signings in 2017.Everyone wants these fights to happen, people want to see these unification fights.
Jai Opetaia
We have always gone against the current and done things differently.
Jai Opetaia
They are starting to see it now, but it’s just another day at the office for us.
Jai Opetaia
I only focus on winning, because that’s what matters. If I lose the fight, everyone will scatter.
Jai Opetaia
