US EditionZuffa Boxing 04 -- Jai Opetaia vs. Brandon Glanton: Fight Predictions, Start Time
The IBF withdrew sanction after being misled about Zuffa's championship status and warned Opetaia he could be stripped of the title if he fights in the unsanctioned bout.
- On March 6, the IBF withdrew sanction of Jai Opetaia's March 8, 2026, fight against Brandon Glanton, classifying it as an Unsanctioned Contest under IBF rules.
- Citing misleading assurances, the IBF said it withdrew sanctioning after learning it had not dealt directly with Zuffa Boxing and was misled about the belt being just a token of recognition.
- IBF rules state an Unsanctioned Contest is one the federation hasn't approved, and a champion participating risks the title being declared vacant, according to IBF Rule 5.H.
- The IBF warned Jai Opetaia that fighting Glanton would risk being stripped for a second time, referencing his 2023 stripping, as he pursues undisputed status.
- Having signed with Zuffa in January, Opetaia's camp confirmed at a March 6 press conference that the fight scheduled for March 8 would not be officially sanctioned after the IBF withdrew its approval.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Jai Opetaia Walks Out With IBF Belt During Zuffa Boxing Weigh-Ins, Was Caught Off Guard By IBF's Plans To Strip Him & Will Still Comply With IBF's Second-Day Weigh-In In Hopes They Change Their Minds (Report)
The drama surrounding the IBF is coming to a head on Sunday. On Friday, Opetaia presented the IBF title belt at the Zuffa Boxing 4 press conference and had every intention of defending it with the understanding. “Don’t listen to everything you see on the internet, man. Everyone’s spreading rumors. I’m very grateful that the boys have been on board. It’s my dream to become undisputed. Unless everyone works together toward that dream, I can’t acco…
The fight between Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton will mark the first title of the organization and the beginning of a model inspired by the success of UFC.
IBF won't sanction Opetaia vs. Glanton fight
Hours after Jai Opetaia said he would be defending his IBF cruiserweight title against Brandon Glanton on Sunday while also competing for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing Championship, the IBF announced it will no longer sanction the title defense.
Jai Opetaia Stripped of IBF Cruiserweight Title After IBF Withdraws Sanction for March 8 Zuffa Boxing 4 Fight vs Brandon Glanton
Jai Opetaia will no longer hold the IBF Cruiserweight title after the organization withdrew sanction for his upcoming fight against Brandon Glanton. The match is scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Las Vegas at the Zuffa Boxing 4 event. An IBF spokesperson said: “The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has withdrawn sanction of the optional defense ...
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