“Brand Will Skyrocket”: Opetaia’s Promoter Reveals Reasons for Signing Contract with Dana White’s Company

Co-promoter of IBF Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, Mick Francis, explained why his athlete signed an agreement with the boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing.

“His personal brand will explode and skyrocket. This is what we always wanted to achieve. He will get the opportunity to unify titles. Jai wants to unify belts. He wants people to believe in him, support him, and for someone to stand behind him.

Jai performed within Riyadh Season, and this became a powerful boost for many boxers and promoters all over the world. It was very good. I feel that Riyadh Season is slowing down a little.

Last year Jai fought three times in Australia. Holding big title fights in Australia is difficult, because we simply don't have such a population, and it is hard from a financial point of view,” said Francis.

Last year Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) knocked out three opponents. After signing the agreement with Zuffa Boxing, Jai stated that belt unification and a bout for the undisputed championship in the Cruiserweight division await ahead.

This statement surprised many, because Zuffa head Dana White directly stated his desire to make it so that the current sanctioning bodies do not have such influence as they do now. However, subsequently it became known that Zuffa will allow Opetaia to fight for belts in the Cruiserweight division.

Currently, Jai holds the division's IBF title. The WBA and WBO are with Gilberto Ramirez. The WBC – with Noel Mikaelian.