Overview
- IBF says it has not officially stripped Jai Opetaia and that the cruiserweight title status remains in deliberation.
- Opetaia defeated Brandon Glanton at Zuffa Boxing 04 to move to 30-0 and was presented as Zuffa’s inaugural cruiserweight champion while retaining The Ring recognition.
- The IBF withdrew sanctioning before the fight after concluding Zuffa was staging a world title bout, and it rejects claims that press-conference belt placement influenced the decision or that it acted to cause harm.
- The IBF states any sanctioning fees were immediately returned, reported at about $73,000, while Dana White criticized the body’s handling and alleged unprofessional conduct.
- Opetaia’s attorney has sent a legal letter to the IBF alleging coordinated collusion against fighters working with Zuffa Boxing, according to reports from The Ring relayed by Mike Coppinger.