A new player enters the boxing stage: Stan takes over Opetaia vs. The change of rights could complicate further mega-fights, including Opetaia-Ramirez.
A new streaming giant is entering the boxing stage: When Jai Opetaia defends his IBF title against Huseyin Cinkara on December 6, the fight will be broadcast exclusively on Stan Pay-Per-View in Australia. This puts a new media giant in the spotlight – and could complicate the path to future unification fights.
For the 30-year-old Opetaia, who many consider to be the best cruiserweight in the world at the moment, this will be his third appearance in 2025. His spectacular knockout victories over
Particularly explosive: Opetaia’s Tasman Fighters team expects the deal to run for at least twelve months. This could complicate negotiations for the all-important unification fight against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who has been firmly anchored with Golden Boy and DAZN for years.
Nevertheless, Opetaia remains focused: “Cinkara is my mandatory opponent – and a dangerous man. But my path is towards becoming the undisputed world champion. I’m looking forward to fighting at home on the Gold Coast again and delivering a great event.” Cinkara, now 40, was already scheduled as a challenger at the beginning of the year, but had to pull out due to injury. Now he gets the chance to make up for what was not possible in January.
Milestone for Australian boxing
The deal is also a milestone from a promoter’s point of view. Mick Francis from Tasman Fighters emphasizes: “Stan is finally giving Australian boxing the platform it deserves. With Channel 9 behind us, our athletes can get the exposure that has been missing for a long time – especially someone like Jai.”
With Matchroom Boxing hosting a card in Monte Carlo on DAZN that evening and Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian on Amazon Prime, it’s clear that the battle for the big PPV rights is in full swing – and Opetaia is right in the middle of it.
Text by Robin Josten