Jai Opetaia is taking legal action against the IBF. The Australian is demanding the return of his world title and speaks of a conspiracy against Zuffa Boxing.
Jai Opetaia has filed a lawsuit against the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in U.S. federal court. The former cruiserweight world champion is demanding his immediate reinstatement as champion and accuses the IBF, as well as other boxing organizations and leading figures in the sport, of waging a targeted campaign against him.
In the 123-page complaint, Opetaia alleges that the title was stripped from him because he signed with Zuffa Boxing. The IBF initially approved his fight against Brandon Glanton and accepted the sanctioning fee, but then withdrew its recognition of the world title fight less than 48 hours before the event.
According to the IBF, the bout did not comply with the rules, as it had been promoted primarily as a fight for the Zuffa Boxing title. Opetaia strongly disputes this account and claims it was a deliberate move that caused him significant financial and athletic harm.
In addition, the Australian accuses the IBF, the WBC, the WBA, the WBO, as well as several officials and promoters, of an industry-wide conspiracy to weaken Zuffa Boxing and prevent other boxers from switching organizations. According to the complaint, chat logs are said to substantiate these allegations.
In addition to being reinstated as IBF world champion, Opetaia is seeking damages, reimbursement of his legal fees, and a court order preventing the IBF from naming a new world champion until the proceedings are concluded. The IBF announced that it would comment on the allegations at a later date.
Text by Robin Josten