Opetaia’s Unification Drive: A New Chapter in Cruiserweight Boxing

The IBF World Cruiserweight and Ring Journal champion Jai Opetaia, 28-0 with 22 stoppages, is trying to unify the division. He’s from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, managed and promoted by Tasman’s Fighters CEO Mick Francis.

Opetaia final defended his title in June, stopping Italy’s IBF European champion Claudio ‘The Pink Bull’ Squeo, 17-0 in 5 rounds, in his fifth protection. Opetaia was a three-time Australian Newbie champion.

Different champions at cruiserweight are former WBO World Tremendous Middleweight champion and present WBA and WBO World Cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, 48-1 with 30 stoppages, of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. He final fought in his first protection, defeating former IBF World Cruiserweight champion, Cuban Yuniel ‘The KO Physician’ Dorticos, 27-2, residing in Miami, Florida, over 12 rounds on the Honda Middle, in Anaheim, California.

“I respect what Ramirez has achieved, however I do know I’m on one other stage. I’ve crushed world-class fighters, I’ve defended my titles, and I’m prepared to gather extra belts. If Ramirez has the braveness to step up, I’ll present the world why I’m the true champion,” stated Opetaia.”

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom stated, “A large unification battle with Zurdo Ramirez needs to be subsequent for Opetaia, with excessive reward and an enormous prediction for his future earlier than shifting as much as heavyweight.” Mick Francis added, “The time for discuss is over. Jai is the true lineal champion and probably the most harmful cruiserweight on the earth. We’ve nothing however respect for Ramirez and what he has achieved, however that is the battle boxing wants. I’ve full religion that Ramirez will do the proper factor and settle for his problem. The followers should see one of the best towards one of the best.”

The opposite champion is former WBC World Tremendous Middleweight, WBA World Gentle Heavyweight, and present WBC World Cruiserweight champion Badou ‘The Ripper’ Jack, 29-3-3 with 17 stoppages, from Stockholm, Sweden, residing in Dubai, UAE.

In Jack’s final battle in his first protection in June, he gained a majority choice over former WBC Silver Cruiserweight champion Norair Mikieljan, 27-2, out of Yerevan, Armenia, residing in Miami, Florida, on the ANB Enviornment, in Riyadh.