- Former IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia was stripped by the IBF for taking a fight on the lucrative “Day of Reckoning” card in Saudi Arabia rather than fighting mandatory challenger Mairis Briedis.
- Briedis, rated IBF #3, was ordered by the IBF to negotiate with the next leading available contender to fight for the vacant belt.
- IBF #1 and IBF #2 ratings are vacant.
- IBF #4 rated Zurdo Ramirez has apparently opted to challenge WBA champion Arsen Goulamirian instead of Briedis.
- IBF #5 is Opetaia
- Opetaia will now reportedly fight Briedis on the February 17 Fury-Usyk undercard.
- In all likelihood, the bout will be sanctioned by the IBF for the vacant world title.
- This will be a rematch of their fight in June 2022, won by Opetaia via unanimous decision.
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Offending posts will be removed.
Repeat offenders will be put on moderation.
Alphabet games… not good for boxing.
I’m glad that Zurdo opted for the WBA route because it gives this a chance to right itself. They strip Opetaia for not fighting Briedis but don’t strip Briedis’ ranking despite not fighting in a year and a half.
At this rate Jai is going to be a 7 time cruiser weight champion and still be undefeated. Why doesn’t he fight for a real title instead of the IBF. The IBO has more clout these days.
How silly is it that the #1 and #2 rankings are vacant???
Yeah mate it sounds silly, apparently fighters can only get a 1 or 2 ranking in the IBF is if they win an official IBF title eliminator. It’s just another way of the IBF to charge sanctioning fees I to promoters for elimination fights. Cheers
Opetaia should win but who knows how this rematch will pan out. Briedis is no bum but has had the long layoff.
The article should have been titled:
If you think you were confused with our rankings, check this out.
These technicalities do not thing to contribute to the sport. I can be so simple: fight, stay busy fighting and if successful, fight for the belt. If you take more than a year off, you drop a couple of slots, eliminating your chance for a title shot. You lose, same scenario depending on method of loss. After taking more than a year off, the blade won’t be as sharp as before so you need at least a fight to get back in true fighting shape and make the most of your opportunity.
Extended time off should not be rewarded. If it’s for medical reasons, same rule applies.
Should not if stripped Jai Opetaia of his title in the first place.
Comical!
Good to see, Jai got to make some easy Saudi money and then rightfully gets to reclaim the title he should never have been stripped of