Overview
- The IBF announced Friday it has withdrawn sanction for Jai Opetaia’s planned title defense against Brandon Glanton and says the cruiserweight belt will be declared vacant if he proceeds with Sunday’s fight.
- Zuffa’s inaugural cruiserweight title remains on the line in the Zuffa Boxing 04 main event at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, which is scheduled to stream on Paramount+.
- The IBF cited unification rules that recognize only WBA, WBC and WBO titles and said it reversed course after the press conference clarified the Zuffa belt would be more than a ceremonial trophy.
- Opetaia and multiple outlets had indicated earlier this week that the fight would include his IBF and The Ring belts alongside the new Zuffa title, but the IBF’s withdrawal supersedes those plans for its belt.
- Opetaia enters 29-0 with 23 knockouts against Glanton at 21-3 with 18 knockouts, and pre-fight analysis favors the Australian’s southpaw speed and ring IQ over Glanton’s pressure and power.