Jai Opetaia vacates IBF belt
On the week of his fight with Ellis Zorro (17-0, 7KO) in Saudi Arabia, Australian champion Jai Opetaia (23-0, 18KO) has vacated his IBF World cruiserweight title.
The 28-year-old unbeaten southpaw from Sydney won the title with a unanimous decision win against Mairis Briedis in Australia in July 2022. He defended the belt successfully against Briton Jordan Thompson in September this year, and was set for a voluntary defence to London's Ellis Zorro, but the fight couldn't be sanctioned for the world title due to Zorro not being ranked in their world ratings.
The International Boxing Federation released the following notice:
"Late last evening the IBF received notice from Michael Francis representing Jai Opetaia advising that Opetaia has decided to relinquish his title as IBF World Cruiserweight Champion. In an email to IBF President Daryl Peoples and the IBF Board of Directors, Francis noted the team’s disappointment in having to reach this decision but acknowledged the IBF rules that affect this situation should be adhered to.
"The IBF accepts Jai Opetaia’s decision to vacate the title and wishes him well.
"Mairis Briedis, who is ranked #3 in the IBF Cruiserweight ratings, will be ordered to negotiate with the next leading available contender for the vacant IBF Cruiserweight World Championship bout."
The Federation wanted the 200lbs champion to fight thier mandatory challenger, Mairis Briedis, but promoter Eddie Hearn declared he wasn't ready for the Christmas card.
The IBF had 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 unbeaten 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.
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