Undisputed cruiserweight champion partners with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing with a clear focus on mega-fights in the USA.
Unified Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has announced a groundbreaking new promotional partnership. The undefeated Australian officially joins Zuffa Boxing, UFC boss Dana White’s new boxing project, with his longtime promoter Tasman Fighters – with a clear focus on the lucrative US market.
Opetaia (29-0, 23 knockouts) most recently boxed in co-promotions between Tasman Fighters and British powerhouse Matchroom Boxing, but is now turning over a new leaf and becoming part of White’s ambitious push into professional boxing. A press release said: “This alliance unites Opetaia’s Australian long-term promoters with Zuffa Boxing to target the biggest platforms and opponents worldwide.”
Michael Francis, CEO of Tasman Fighters, spoke of a milestone for Opetaia and Australian boxing: “Jai belongs on the biggest stages against the biggest names. This partnership puts him right there.” The 30-year-old southpaw was also highly motivated: “I’m excited about what’s coming. I want these big fights and I’m ready to prove myself on the world stage.”
Opetaia travels into the new phase of his career with a tailwind. The cruiserweight has won four knockouts in a row, most recently stopping the German Huseyin Cinkara in round eight in December. Details of Opetaia’s next fight will be announced shortly – but one thing is already clear: With Zuffa Boxing and Dana White behind her, the next mega-fight is getting a lot closer.