Zuffa Boxing Signs IBF Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia
Zuffa Boxing has made a significant addition to its roster, signing IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia to a promotional deal. The announcement was made via Zuffa Boxing’s X account, with a video of Opetaia confirming the signing. In the video, Opetaia expressed his excitement about the future, stating, “I’m with Zuffa Boxing now. I’m pumped for the future. Exciting times, man. Let’s get these big fights over the line: unification and undisputed too. Let’s go.”
According to reports, the terms of the deal are not yet clear, and it is unknown whether Opetaia will be competing exclusively on Zuffa Boxing cards or if he will be allowed to continue fighting for world titles for other sanctioning bodies. ESPN reached out to representatives from Zuffa Boxing to get clarity on the matter but has not received a response. As a result, fans and pundits alike are left wondering what this signing means for Opetaia’s future in the sport.
Opetaia’s Background and Career
Fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia, Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) is widely regarded as the best cruiserweight in the sport. With a impressive record and a string of consecutive knockout wins, Opetaia has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the cruiserweight division. His most recent victory came in December, when he defeated Huseyin Cinkara via brutal eighth-round knockout.
Opetaia, 30, has been vocal about his frustration with being unable to land a unification fight with the division’s other champions. Currently, Noel Mikaelian holds the WBC title, while Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is the WBO and WBA champion. Ramirez is set to defend his unified titles against David Benavidez in May, leaving Opetaia to ponder his next move. With his signing to Zuffa Boxing, Opetaia may finally have the opportunity to secure the big fights he has been seeking.
Implications of the Signing
The signing of Opetaia is a significant coup for Zuffa Boxing, which is looking to establish itself as a major player in the world of professional boxing. With Opetaia on board, Zuffa Boxing has added a world-class champion to its roster, which could help to attract other top talent to the promotion. As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between Opetaia and Zuffa Boxing will be one to watch, with many expecting big things from the Australian champion in the coming months and years.
As the news of Opetaia’s signing continues to sink in, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of his first fight under the Zuffa Boxing banner. With his impressive record and formidable skills in the ring, Opetaia is sure to be a major draw for the promotion, and his presence is likely to shake up the cruiserweight division in the months to come.
