An outcome has been decided on Jai Opetaia‘s future as IBF cruiserweight champion.
The 30-year-old became the first reigning world champion to sign with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, before making his debut for the promotion when he took on Brandon Glanton earlier this month.
Ahead of the bout, the main talking point wasn’t what may happen inside the ring, but instead the drama out of it, as Opetaia’s future as IBF champion was in question due to Zuffa’s apparent desire to not recognise the governing bodies.
White’s promotion instead put the Zuffa title on the line for the clash, which Opetaia won by unanimous decision after a scrappy affair, and that made many believe that the IBF had stripped the New Zealander of their belt there and then after he proceeded with an unsanctioned bout.
The IBF then cleared that up and revealed no decision had been made at that point, but it was confirmed on Monday by Boxing Scene that they have now indeed relieved Opetaia of their world title.
“On March 19, 2026, the IBF Board of Directors met via teleconference to address the status of the IBF Cruiserweight title held by Jai Opetaia. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board voted to vacate the title pursuant to Rule 5.H. The IBF Cruiserweight title is vacant.”
It is the second time that Opetaia has lost the IBF belt without it happening in the ring, after he proceeded with a fight against Ellis Zorro rather than face mandatory challenger Mairis Briedis back in 2023.
Opetaia would later beat Briedis in May 2024 to win the vacant belt, but after losing it for a second time, it may be a uphill battle to regain it again and for him to achieve his dream of becoming undisputed.
