Champion No More: IBF Strips Opetaia of Belt!
Australian Jai Opetaia has been dethroned as the IBF cruiserweight champion (up to 90.7 kg). The International Boxing Federation blocked his voluntary title defense against Ellis Zorro, which is set for December 23 in Saudi Arabia.
The IBF's knockout statement was clear: "We have made it clear to Jay's team that he cannot fight Ellis Zorro for the title."
Opetaia left in the corner, responded: "They've really left me with no choice. There's a massive boxing event in Saudi Arabia I can't miss. That's why they took the title from me. The IBF's decision is bullshit. It's completely wrong. But it is what it is. I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm focused on December 23. After I do my job, I'll move on to the next. The titles will come back to me. They can't deny that."
He added, "They tried to block me on the biggest boxing night - let them. I'm here, moving forward."
Opetaia clinched the title in July 2022 by defeating Briedis. Despite the setback, his fight with Ellis Zorro on December 23 remains on schedule.