Cruiserweight Jai Opetaia will be without his IBF world title on Saturday’s ‘Day Of Reckoning’ show in Riydah, Saudi Arabia, having been forced to vacate the belt earlier today.
With mandatory rival Mairis Briedis currently injured, a special appeal was requested by Matchroom, Tasman Fighters, Queensberry and Wasserman Boxing to the IBF to allow Opetaia to defend his crown against Britain’s Zorro this weekend. But with the IBF denying Opetaia that opportunity, the Aussie has reluctantly relinquished his championship.
Fired up, Opetaia now vows to do his talking in the ring and showing why he is rated as the best cruiserweight on the planet.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show,” Opetaia told Matchroom Boxing.
“I cannot wait to get in the ring. It’s all outside noise and it’s also just fuel on the fire. It makes me want to perform even better. The thing is all roads lead to me. I am the Ring magazine World Champion, the number one in the division. I am the king of the Cruiserweights.
“We’ve definitely earned our spot on this card, which is the biggest in boxing history. I can’t lie, it’s been a rough journey. It’s been a rollercoaster to get to where we are, but we are here.
“So, I feel like I’m the motivation to all my rivals. I’m working hard. I’m doing what I’ve got to. I’m focused on my own journey, and I’m not worried about them.
“I’m locked in on Ellis Zorro and I’m expecting a solid version of him. He’s going to have to pick it up when he faces me. So, I’m pumped. I’m ready. I’ve earned my spot here – it didn’t happen by accident. And we just go out and we do what we do.
“We’re just getting started on this journey. We’ve got so much more to achieve in this in this game and we’re flying the Australian and Samoan flags very proudly. I’m honoured to be part of this card and a part of boxing history.”
The stacked $39.99 DAZN PPV features:
Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin (heavyweight)
Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker (heavyweight)
Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller (heavyweight)
Dmitry Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur (light heavyweight)
Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro (cruiserweight)
Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel (heavyweight)
Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa (heavyweight)
Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark De Mori (heavyweight)
*Former IBF Cruiserweight Champion
He vacated/was stripped of the title as the IBF did not approve the Ellis Zorro fight.
This actually turned out to be an entertaining card. Of all the fights stay as planned, it will be a great way to end the year in boxing. I might hit Buffalo Wild Wings for 2 dozen wings, a pitcher (or 2) of beer and watching the whole thing.
Thank you, again, Amazon FireStick………
Please elaborate. I actually don’t know what you mean by this comment.
He doesn’t pay to watch the fights but watches them for free using an App on Amazon Fire stick to watch the fights for free.
Jai made the right decision.
I stand with Jai.
It just means he’s not saddled with their mandatory. I think he’s the best cruiserweight in the world and, also, if you’re one of these other organizations, whoever your #1 ranked guy is, Opetaia is better and more accomplished than he is. So I expect him to be high in the rankings next month. The IBF’s #1 & #2 are vacant, it wouldn’t happen, but he should get one of those as well. He could fight for their vacant belt next year.
These alphabet organizations have about made themselves irrelevant as far as fans go anyway. Jai is clearly the best cruiserweight in the world. Who cares if he has one these belts or not. This way, he is free to pursue any fight he wants. Whether or not they want him is the question.
And avoids paying their sanctioning fees.
You show them Jai !
Being forced to vacate is called stripping. Just say it. He was stripped of his belt. Now let’s strip the IBF of their standing of being one of the major four. I’m done with them. Who’s with me?
Better yet make the major four zero.
I think fans need to send a strong message to them all that we have finally had enough. Bankrupt the IBF and send a message to the other 3 to get your house in order.
A great card for $40 PPV but BS forcing me to subscribe to DAZN. I will bite the bullet in the last minute. I have a feeling some fights get cancelled – the card is too good to be true.
But the Charlo sisters have been able to hold their belts hostage for years and get away with it. The IBF is a joke.
WBC is worse
He’s got his own belt.
It’s just called the J.A.I. belt.
Works just as good. Cheaper