Jai Opetaia, the lineal cruiserweight champion, is set to defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara on January 8 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.
This marks Opetaia’s first fight at home since his career-defining victory over Mairis Briedis in July 2022. The 29-year-old champion is coming off a dominant sixth-round stoppage win against Jack Massey in October, his third consecutive fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Watch Opetaia vs. Briedis highlights: Watch
Cinkara, 39, earned his mandatory position by defeating Armend Xhoxhaj via a stunning four-minute knockout in April. The German powerhouse brings an impressive 81% KO rate and will be looking to upset the Australian in front of his hometown crowd.
Opetaia's team had to navigate IBF regulations to face Massey earlier this year, with the sanctioning body stipulating that the mandatory defense must take place by January 20. This fight also carries added significance, as the IBF has denied further exceptions for voluntary defenses, forcing Opetaia to meet his obligations.
Looking ahead, Opetaia could face Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez, who recently unified the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles with a commanding victory over Chris Billam-Smith. A potential unification bout between Opetaia and Ramirez would crown the undisputed king of the division.
For now, Opetaia must focus on the experienced and dangerous Cinkara, as he seeks to continue his reign at the top of the cruiserweight division.
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