Jai Opetaia Signs with Zuffa Boxing
In a significant development for the boxing scene, Jai Opetaia, the current IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, has signed a promotional agreement with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. This announcement comes ahead of Zuffa’s inaugural event slated for January 23, 2026, on Paramount, with further shows following on February 1 and February 14.
Opetaia’s Enthusiasm and Career Highlights
Opetaia, who holds an impressive record of 29 wins with 23 knockouts, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“Signed with Zuffa Boxing now. I’m so pumped for the future. Exciting times ahead — let’s aim for those big fights, unification titles, and soon, undisputed champion!”
Initially rising to fame after capturing the IBF title from Mairis Briedis in a shocking upset in July 2022, Opetaia became a two-time champion after reclaiming the title in May 2024 with a rematch victory over Briedis. His current reign includes four successful defenses; however, he has faced difficulties in securing high-stakes bouts that align with his ambitions.
Transition from Matchroom Boxing
Previously aligned with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Opetaia decided to part ways with the promoter after his title defense against Jordan Thompson in September 2023, which placed him in direct competition with White’s enterprise, since Matchroom serves as Zuffa’s principal rival in the boxing industry.
Challenges Ahead for Opetaia
The implications of Opetaia joining Zuffa are intriguing, particularly as he strives to unify the cruiserweight division. Dana White had previously declared that Zuffa would not acknowledge traditional sanctioning bodies or collaborate with other promoters, which poses potential challenges for Opetaia’s aspirations to secure all cruiserweight titles.
In Zuffa’s promotional announcement, there was no mention of Opetaia’s IBF championship, raising questions about how the organization will navigate the established landscape of boxing promotion, especially considering the need to collaborate with other promoters like Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Lewkowicz of Premier Boxing Champions to fulfill Opetaia’s dreams of undisputed status.
