Jai Opetaia, the undefeated IBF and The Ring champion, plans to travel to Los Angeles to face his next target in person, after declaring that he will not be rushed in his dream of unifying the cruiserweight titles. The Australian boxer, with an impeccable record, will defend his mandatory belts against Turkish challenger Huseyin Cinkara (23-0) on December 6th on the Gold Coast. This fight will mark his eighth fight since he won both titles over three years ago and comes after impressive knockouts in his only two appearances in 2025, raising his record to 28-0. Despite his victories, the 30-year-old pugilist has been unable to unify the titles, due to Opetaia’s power and the relatively small commercial market in Australia, which has dissuaded other belt holders. Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez, owner of the WBO and WBA belts, is the main obstacle, as he announced a defense for May of next year against the American David Benavidez, in what will be his return after shoulder surgery. Badou Jack, born in Sweden and boxing out of 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 Ramirez for avoiding Opetaia, who will instead target Jack’s WBC belt first, if all goes according to plan on the Gold Coast next Saturday.
They’re taking the piss, but we keep winning.
Jai Opetaia
Mick Francis, head of Tasman Fighters and promoter of Opetaia, stated that both will travel to the United States immediately after the fight against Cinkara to force the situation with the winner of that fight. Opetaia has no interest in going through unnecessary procedures, but he will collaborate.I’m not in a hurry. I’m calm, I’m winning, I feel good and I fight, I do my thing and these fights will come. I won’t let anyone rush me or speed up the process of achieving my dreams.
Jai Opetaia
The talented Gold Coast boxer will headline a packed card that includes former world champion Jason Moloney, heavyweights Justis Huni and Teremoana Jnr, Max McIntyre, Ben Mahoney and Paul Fleming against Jake Wyllie. In a historic move, Francis has partnered with Stan Sports in a pay-per-view deal that will be the streaming service’s biggest boxing production, to compete 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.I don’t know why I would have to fly and face him; it’s getting a bit stupid. Everyone wants these fights to happen, people want to see these unification fights. If he wants to fight, we’ll fight.
Jai Opetaia
We’ve always gone against the grain and done things differently. Now they’re starting to see it, but it’s just another day at the office for us. I only focus on winning, because that’s what matters. If I lose the fight, everyone will scatter.
Jai Opetaia
