The Australian power-puncher’s next outing will now come at the cost of his IBF title.
Jai Opetaia is set to face Brandon Glanton in the ring on March 8.
The two rivals will meet for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight title.
It had initially been expected that Opetaia’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title would also be on the line.
However, it emerged earlier this week that the bout could only proceed with either the Zuffa title or the IBF belt at stake – not both.
The IBF has since confirmed that it has withdrawn its sanctioning of the fight, just one day before the bout is due to take place.
A statement from them was shared via Boxing Scene, which read: “The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has withdrawn sanction of the optional defence of the IBF Cruiserweight Title between champion Jai Opetaia and #15 ranked contender Brandon Glanton scheduled for March 8, 2026.
“With sanction withdrawn, the Opetaia vs. Glanton bout is now an Unsanctioned Contest.
“IBF Rule 5.H. states in part – ‘An Unsanctioned Contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn’.
“‘If a Champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the Champion wins or loses the bout’.”
As a result, Jai Opetaia is set to lose the title when the opening bell rings.
While it may appear to be a setback for Jai Opetaia, who has expressed his desire to become undisputed, he is expected to take it in his stride.
The Australian powerhouse will instead focus solely on capturing the Zuffa strap and extending his 29-fight winning streak when he faces Glanton at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this weekend.
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