US EditionJai Opetaia signs deal with Zuffa Boxing: Cruiserweight champ joins upstart promotion
Jai Opetaia, undefeated with 29 wins and 23 knockouts, joins Zuffa Boxing aiming for unification bouts as the promotion plans 12 events this year.
- On Friday, Zuffa Boxing signed Jai Opetaia to a promotional deal, announcing it on Instagram and the promotion’s X account with a video confirmation.
- Last year, Zuffa Boxing was founded by Dana White, UFC president and CEO, and Turki Alalshikh as a joint venture co-owned by TKO Group Holdings, planning 12 cards this year.
- Fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia, Jai Opetaia is 29-0 with 23 KOs in his second IBF cruiserweight reign, knocking out his last four foes including Huseyin Cinkara in December and beating former champion Mairis Briedis twice.
- The signing gives Zuffa Boxing its first major roster addition, boosting credibility ahead of its Jan. 23 card, but it is not known if Jai Opetaia's deal is exclusive; ESPN requested clarification without response.
- Noel Mikaelian and Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez currently hold rival belts, with Ramirez defending unified titles against David Benavidez in May while Opetaia urges unification, "Opetaia said".
11 Articles
11 Articles
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Fans deliver mixed reaction to Jai Opetaia signing with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing
Zuffa Boxing, headed up by Dana White, has announced its first truly significant signing in IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Jai Opetaia. The new promotion launches officially with Zuffa Boxing 01 on January 23. The main event sees super-welterweight Callum Walsh will take on Carlos Ocampo. With two more shows already slated, all taking place at […] The post Fans deliver mixed reaction to Jai Opetaia signing with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing appea…
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