Jai Opetaia has been officially stripped of his IBF cruiserweight title following his involvement in an unsanctioned bout linked to his move to Zuffa Boxing.
The International Boxing Federation confirmed the decision after a board meeting on March 19, stating that the title has now been declared vacant. The ruling was made under IBF Rule 5.H., which allows the organization to remove champions who participate in non-sanctioned fights.
The situation developed after Opetaia signed with Zuffa earlier this year and faced Brandon Glanton on March 8 in Las Vegas. The bout was promoted as being for the “Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship,” with no reference to Opetaia’s IBF title status.
Attempts were made by his team to secure IBF sanctioning for the fight, but the request was initially denied. The IBF cited its rules, which do not recognize unification bouts outside of the WBA, WBC, and WBO frameworks. Although a later request led to temporary approval, the sanction was withdrawn after it became clear the fight would still be promoted with the Zuffa title attached.
Opetaia proceeded with the fight, winning a unanimous decision over Glanton and lifting the Zuffa belt afterward.
This marks the second time Opetaia has lost the IBF title outside the ring. In 2023, he vacated the belt under similar circumstances after being unable to secure sanctioning for a bout against Ellis Zorro while also facing a mandatory obligation.
With the title now vacant, the IBF is expected to move forward with a new title fight. Chris Billam-Smith is likely to be involved, potentially facing the winner of the upcoming eliminator between Mateusz Masternak and Viddal Riley.
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