Jai Opetaia has been given the decision to choose between the Zuffa belt and his IBF cruiserweight title ahead of his first fight with Zuffa
We’re just days away from Zuffa Boxing’s first title fight between Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23ko’s) and Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18ko’s).
There is major uncertainty, with so many details not finalised.
Zuffa, headed by Dana White, are the new kids on the block, and to say they have disrupted the industry is an understatement.
With major financial backing from Saudi Arabian powerhouses Turki Al-Sheikh and SELA, the plan is to revolutionise boxing.
Dana White has pledged to disregard the recognised governing bodies, the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF.
Additionally, they intend to blow the established promoters out of the water.
Replicating the UFC model is the long-term plan, allowing the TKO group to monopolise another sport.
The creation of the Zuffa belt has sparked criticism and immense controversy in the boxing world.
Marquee signing Jai Opetaia is set to be the first to challenge for this belt this weekend.
The hard hitting Australian is the current IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight king.
For a number of years, Opetaia has been chasing the other champions in his weight class, often expressing his desire to become an undisputed champion.
This is where the confusion sparks from.
Belts and legacy chasing Opetaia is now signed and fighting with the promotion that plan to disregard the governing bodies.
As the fight draws closer, Opetaia has been got a decision to make.
Salvador Rodriguez has reported that:
“IBF has requested Jai Opetaia to make a decision on the title he’ll be fighting for this weekend. He can either defend the IBF title or fight for the promoter’s belt, but not both”.
If Opetaia chooses the Zuffa belt, the IBF will then subsequently strip him of his title.
With the fight being just days away this is a story that is unfolding currently.
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Sources: IBF has requested Jai Opetaia to make a decision on the title he’ll be fighting for this weekend. He can either defend the IBF title or fight for the promoter’s belt, but not both.
— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) March 4, 2026
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