After the announcement that Jai Opetaia has signed with Zuffa Boxing, Eddie Hearn has admitted that he failed the Aussie sensation during their time working with one another.
Eddie Hearn has admitted that he failed Jai Opetaia, following the announcement that the IBF cruiserweight world champion has signed with Zuffa Boxing.
The Australian southpaw has taken the 200lb division by storm, becoming a two-time ruler and maintained his undefeated record whilst pursuing the undisputed title, but to no avail.
Last year, Opetaia fought thrice, winning by knockout against each of David Nyika, Claudio Squeo and Huseyin Cinkara as he patiently awaited a shot at unified titleholder, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
However, rather than accepting an undisputed title clash with his fellow champion, Ramirez has instead opted to take on David Benavidez in May, much to Opetaia’s frustration.
Now, the 30-year-old has been announced as Zuffa Boxing’s marquee signing, despite prior suggestions that Dana White’s new promotional firm would steer clear of the traditional boxing belts and ensure that their fighters fought in-house.
The latest developments suggest that the cruiserweight phenom will be permitted to face ‘Zurdo’ or Benavidez if presented with the opportunity – one which Eddie Hearn told Boxing Social he was unable to secure when promoting Opetaia.
“I had nothing for Jai, we hadn’t promoted a show for Jai for over a year, with Matchroom leading it.
“I can’t deliver him the [unification], I have failed in that respect.”
Ramirez-Benavidez will take place on Saturday, May 2, with the WBC, WBA and WBO cruiserweight marbles up for grabs, whilst Opetaia remains hopeful that he can face the victor before the end of the 2026 calendar.
In the meantime, it will be telling whether Opetaia’s debut with Zuffa Boxing takes place against another cruiserweight signed to the firm, or if White will expand his horizons and open up to the idea of working with his fellow promoters.
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