Jai Opetaia

[Coco]

Fighting the Australian would be suicide for many top level fighters.

Zorro is domestic class.

Nevertheless it's an opportunity you can't turn down, hope he gets paid well and he doesn't have a brave corner

[The Gratest]

Opetaia looks like the kind of guy who would fight anyone.

[Glass Joe]

Suppose the money will be on if Zorro will last longer than Thompson

[samwbr]

Opetaia looks like the kind of guy who would fight anyone.

Loads of Pasifika lads are like that.

[The Gratest]

Opetaia looks like the kind of guy who would fight anyone.

Loads of Pasifika lads are like that.

Made me think of Once Were Warriors.

[JamesPhilips]

Opetaia looks like the kind of guy who would fight anyone.

Loads of Pasifika lads are like that.

Made me think of Once Were Warriors.

Opetaia is mixed I believe

[Redback Rasta]

Fighting the Australian would be suicide for many top level fighters.

Opetaia is certainly finding it hard to get the top guys in the ring with him. Even his mandatories have found ways of avoiding him.

[gregregegg]

multiple belts help make fights sometimes... but they can be an issue in situations like this. a mediocre champ like chriss billam smith would rather stay home and defend his title rather than go fight the number 1 in the division.

Im supprised they didnt try get him a unification with Badu jack in saudi, he has fought a bit there. i guess they probably did and badu wisely didnt want it... even with decent money getting retired on an undercard is pretty rough. hopfully that can be next for jai as a main event.

[Redback Rasta]

Read that Opetaia-Briedis 2 will happen after Opetaia-Zorro.

Negotiations between Opetaia and Briedis had broken down and Briedis' did not object to the Zorro fight. However, the condition was that their rematch would still occur within the assigned mandatory period.

So, provided Opetaia wins, it is the rematch next.

[jameswilson]

Read that Opetaia-Briedis 2 will happen after Opetaia-Zorro.

Negotiations between Opetaia and Briedis had broken down and Briedis' did not object to the Zorro fight. However, the condition was that their rematch would still occur within the assigned mandatory period.

So, provided Opetaia wins, it is the rematch next.

Breidis probably got a big step aside fee as well.

[Redback Rasta]

Read that Opetaia-Briedis 2 will happen after Opetaia-Zorro.

Negotiations between Opetaia and Briedis had broken down and Briedis' did not object to the Zorro fight. However, the condition was that their rematch would still occur within the assigned mandatory period.

So, provided Opetaia wins, it is the rematch next.

Breidis probably got a big step aside fee as well.

I hardly think so but anything is possible in boxing.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jai Opetaia Faces Being Stripped Of IBF Title Ahead Of Planned Fight Versus Ellis Zorro

Jai Opetaia is now stuck with the decision to keep his title or proceed with his scheduled fight.

Boxing Scene has confirmed that the reigning cruiserweight champion was never granted permission by the IBF to proceed with a voluntary title defense versus England’s Ellis Zorro. The fight is currently scheduled to be a part of the December 23 blockbuster event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

However, the sanctioning body has now made it clear that he will be stripped of the title if he proceeded with the fight. Opetaia was previously ordered to honor a mandatory title defense versus Latvia’s Mairis Briedis, whom he defeated last July 2 to claim the crown.

That is the fight that the sanctioning body now expects to next take place and the only one it will approve. Zorro is unranked by the IBF, which further complicated the matter.

Fox Sports’ Ben Damon was the first to report this story.

Several factors stand in the way of Opetaia’s current plans as he meets with his management to determine next steps.

The unbeaten lineal and IBF cruiserweight king was already afforded a voluntary title defense versus England’s Jordan Thompson, when it was learned that Briedis was recovering from an injury and not in position to proceed with the targeted September 30 fight date.

Opetaia (23-0, 18KOs) blasted out the unbeaten but badly overmatched Thompson inside of four rounds for the first defense of his title.

The IBF immediately called for an Opetaia-Briedis rematch. The two sides were unable to reach a deal, which prompted the sanctioning body to schedule a November 21 purse bid hearing.

However, Opetaia’s placement on the December 23 show—featuring Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder in separate co-main events—was widely speculated by that point. Boxing Scene learned that it would no longer come versus Briedis, whose team agreed to not object to the fight but who fully expected the mandatory to still take place within the IBF’s imposed deadline.

That concession was made in lieu of false rumors that Briedis was injured and unable to prepare for the fight in time.

IBF rules forbid consecutive voluntary title defenses in events where the reigning champion already has an assigned mandatory challenger.

Boxing fans and media members eager to rail against the sanctioning body have already pointed out the number of exceptions granted to Jermell Charlo in lieu of a long overdue mandatory versus Bakhram Murtazaliev. Charlo was permitted to enter back-to-back undisputed championship clashes versus Brian Castano. Jeison Rosario held the WBA and IBF titles at the time of his approved September 2020 unification versus Charlo, to which Murtazaliev’s team agreed in exchange for a step-aside package that included cash and a non-televised undercard slot.

A similar agreement was afforded the unbeaten Russian for the July 2021 meeting between Charlo and Castano which ended in a draw. Murtazaliev fought twice more on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)-branded events as he awaited his shot at the full crown.

Charlo was recently ordered to next face Murtazaliev in the wake of his lopsided defeat to undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The mandatory title fight was due to head to a purse bid before Charlo agreed to relinquish the title, which will now be on the line in an ordered bout between Murtazaliev and Germany’s Jack Culcay.

The circumstances for Opetaia-Zorro pale in comparison.

Zorro (17-0, 7KOs) is ranked number-eleven by both the WBA and WBO. The unbeaten Brit earned the latter ranking with two straight wins in WBO-sanctioned regional title fights. Both were scheduled for ten rounds, having previously never fought more than eight rounds. He has never fought with an IBF regional title at stake or versus the type of competition that would warrant a granted exception to challenge for the division’s top prize.

Opetaia could still move forward with the fight, which would net a far bigger payday than if he were to keep the title and honor the sanctioning body’s ruling. In that event, he would be stripped of the physical belt but could still face Zorro as the lineal champion. For the sake of a trophy at stake, Opetaia could defend The Ring cruiserweight championship versus Zorro, who is not ranked by the publication or any other independent ratings board.

Boxing Scene has not been able to verify if his IBF title status is dependent upon his placement on the December 23 show. For now, Opetaia-Zorro is one of two titles fights on the show. The other pits WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11KOs) versus Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16KOs).

Bivol’s team considered at least three opponents for the offered slot on the show, including unbeaten Richard ‘Popeye the Sailor Man’ Rivera who appeared to be the frontrunner. However, Boxing Scene has learned that the event organizers preferred Arthur given his IBO light heavyweight title status.

Should the IBF proceed with its intention to strip Opetaia, a vacant title fight would be ordered between Briedis and the next highest ranked, available contender.

Former WBO super middleweight titlist Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (45-1, 30KOs) is currently ranked number four, one spot below Brieidis. Poland’s Michal Cieslak (25-2, 19KOs) is ranked number-five and has won four straight since a loss to Lawrence Okolie in their vacant WBO cruiserweight title fight last February.

Briedis has not fought since his loss to Opetaia last summer. Ramirez has fought just once at cruiserweight, which came in an October 7 win over Joe Smith Jr. in a bout contested at a contracted weight of 193 pounds.

[SeanBrennan]

I was looking forward to Zorro getting a shot, I know it was a long shot mind. Watched him beat a boxer I used to follow Dec Spelman and he looked good.

[maverick23]

Stupid decision by the IBF. They should want their guys to be active and if Breidis is on board with it then let it happen.

[jwfg]

Stupid decision by the IBF. They should want their guys to be active and if Breidis is on board with it then let it happen.

I can see it playing out like Cordina, drop the title, win it back, get another rolex.

[maverick23]

Stupid decision by the IBF. They should want their guys to be active and if Breidis is on board with it then let it happen.

I can see it playing out like Cordina, drop the title, win it back, get another rolex.

I agree although I still don’t really get it.

That would mean the IBF gets one payday rather than 2 and they’d have pissed off the best guy in the division who may just go for another belt.

[SeanBrennan]

Stupid decision by the IBF. They should want their guys to be active and if Breidis is on board with it then let it happen.

I can see it playing out like Cordina, drop the title, win it back, get another rolex.

haha one for each wrist, winning!

[jwfg]

Stupid decision by the IBF. They should want their guys to be active and if Breidis is on board with it then let it happen.

I can see it playing out like Cordina, drop the title, win it back, get another rolex.

I agree although I still don’t really get it.

That would mean the IBF gets one payday rather than 2 and they’d have pissed off the best guy in the division who may just go for another belt.

Nothing surprises me about the alphabet boys. I don't take any notice of which belt is at stake, just if it's a good matchup or not.

[SeanBrennan]

I can see it playing out like Cordina, drop the title, win it back, get another rolex.

I agree although I still don’t really get it.

That would mean the IBF gets one payday rather than 2 and they’d have pissed off the best guy in the division who may just go for another belt.

Nothing surprises me about the alphabet boys. I don't take any notice of which belt is at stake, just if it's a good matchup or not.

Best way to approach it jwfg.

[wrighty]

I agree although I still don’t really get it.

That would mean the IBF gets one payday rather than 2 and they’d have pissed off the best guy in the division who may just go for another belt.

Nothing surprises me about the alphabet boys. I don't take any notice of which belt is at stake, just if it's a good matchup or not.

Best way to approach it jwfg.

He's streets ahead of everyone at that weight I think. Cruiser is my favourite weight. Reminds me of the heavies from the 60s and 70s. Big, fit, athletic lads that can whack but still have speed, skill and stamina. Today's heavies are too big I think.

[Delta Jay]

Nothing surprises me about the alphabet boys. I don't take any notice of which belt is at stake, just if it's a good matchup or not.

Best way to approach it jwfg.

He's streets ahead of everyone at that weight I think. Cruiser is my favourite weight. Reminds me of the heavies from the 60s and 70s. Big, fit, athletic lads that can whack but still have speed, skill and stamina. Today's heavies are too big I think.

I’d have said LHW or SMW yno, if you look at them 60s 70s, what were they making on same day weigh ins? 200ish? The only problem has been a talent drain cos you can either get tighter and be a LHW which a classic div or go up to HW for the dollars.

I agree tho, that’s why you can’t compare heavies between eras and why I don’t like the modern ones.

[wrighty]

I think Bridgerweight was a daft weight. They needed a junior cruiserweight. 25lbs is a fornicating massive jump.

[wrighty]

Best way to approach it jwfg.

He's streets ahead of everyone at that weight I think. Cruiser is my favourite weight. Reminds me of the heavies from the 60s and 70s. Big, fit, athletic lads that can whack but still have speed, skill and stamina. Today's heavies are too big I think.

I’d have said LHW or SMW yno, if you look at them 60s 70s, what were they making on same day weigh ins? 200ish? The only problem has been a talent drain cos you can either get tighter and be a LHW which a classic div or go up to HW for the dollars.

I agree tho, that’s why you can’t compare heavies between eras and why I don’t like the modern ones.

Smw is banging too.

[SeanBrennan]

Nothing surprises me about the alphabet boys. I don't take any notice of which belt is at stake, just if it's a good matchup or not.

Best way to approach it jwfg.

He's streets ahead of everyone at that weight I think. Cruiser is my favourite weight. Reminds me of the heavies from the 60s and 70s. Big, fit, athletic lads that can whack but still have speed, skill and stamina. Today's heavies are too big I think.

Giants some of them aren't they, makes Usyk's achievements all the more impressive. Also why I like Hunter, brave to fight against what are superheavies.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jai Opetaia to vacate IBF cruiserweight title to fight Ellis Zorro in Saudi for half a million pound payday

Jai Opetaia set to earn $680,000 in next fight with Ellis Zorro

Unbeaten Aussie Jai Opetaia (23-0, 18 KO) is reportedly agreeing a deal to fight twice in Saudi Arabia, during their Riyadh Season, in December (against Ellis Zorro) and March too, in what will produce a career-best pay day of $680,000, which equates to over £500,000.

The IBF cruiserweight champion first meets South Lounder Zorro on December 23 on the bumper 'Day of Reckoning' card, co-headlined by Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker.

The International Boxing Federation ideally wanted their 200lbs champion to fight thier mandatory challenger, Mairis Briedis, but promoter Eddie Hearn has declared he isn't ready for the Christmas card.

The IBF then warned Hearn, “We've made it clear to Jai's team that he cannot fight Ellis Zorro for the title.

“We had already given Jai an exemption to fight Jordan Thompson in his last fight. So he can’t get another exemption to fight Zorro, who has no world ranking.

“In our rules, it can’t be done. He can’t have back-to-back exemptions. If we break the rules for Jai, it opens the floodgates for everyone else.

“The IBF has notified Jai’s team that he cannot fight Zorro. We’ve said his next fight has to be his mandatory against Briedis.

“If Jai Opetaia goes ahead and fights Zorro, he will be stripped of his IBF world title.”

Matchroom money-maker, Hearn, responded, “I think belts matter. To be a world champion holds value, no question. But it would be best if you didn’t let it disrupt and distract your career.

“For Jai, those two fights could finally secure his and his children’s futures. You’ll let a belt, a governing body, and a committee stop you from doing that?

“We should all abide by rules, but if rules are inconsistent or unfair, you have to stand up against them.”

The 28-year-old Australian, who is also the Ring Magazine champion, added, “There’s a big part of me that’s so grateful to be part of this card, but I’ve earned my spot here.

“On December 23, I will show why I’m the best cruiserweight in the world and the king of the division.

“It doesn’t matter who is put in front of me. I have to beat them. I have a new mission, so let’s get it done. I’m ready. This is what I do.”

Opetaia’s clash with Zorro was one of just two world title fights on the bumber bill. Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur remains the only championship clash left.

BBN Editor, Tim Rickson, shared his thoughts, “The IBF are very strict on their rules; too strict in a lot of people's opinions, especially after stripping Terence Crawford very recently because he has a rematch clause with Errol Spence when the IBF don't recognise rematches. So, again, I believe they are being overly strict here.

“If the mandatory challenger isn't ready until next year, then I cannot fathom why anyone would want to deny a world champion an interim fight, where he will remain active and earn money for his family. They have already stated that non-ranking cruiserweight Ellis Zorro cannot fight for their world title, which I fully respect, so why can't they fight anyway without the title? It makes no sense to me why they wouldn't wish for their world champion to secure a payday and a bt of activity, which will make for a better fighter when the mandatory fight can be made.”