The world championship fight against Jai Opetaia ended in hospital for Hüseyin Cinkara: a brain haemorrhage and a fractured cervical vertebra are causing great concern for the 40-year-old.
Hüseyin Cinkara’s world championship dream came to a dramatic and tragic end on Saturday in Australia. The 40-year-old German-Turkish had to be hospitalized
The fight, Cinkara’s first major title opportunity, was closer than expected until Opetaia landed a brutal left hand in round eight that immediately put the challenger out of action. Cinkara received immediate medical attention and will have to stay in hospital for at least two days. “Our thoughts are with Hüseyin. He showed a lion’s heart and fought bravely against the best cruiser in the world,” said Francis.
Opetaia himself escaped with a badly swollen right eye. Contrary to initial reports, however, the New Zealander did not suffer a fracture, has already been discharged and spent the day after the fight “fishing and having dinner with his family”, according to the promoter. The victory was Opetaia’s seventh successful title defense. The champion then reiterated his desire for a unification clash against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in 2026. Alternatively, he could also face the winner of the WBC title clash between Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelian.
Text by Robin Josten