Overview
- Jai Opetaia defeated Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas to claim Zuffa’s inaugural cruiserweight belt, but the bout was not an official IBF title defense.
- The IBF says the cruiserweight championship “remains in deliberation,” questioning whether Opetaia was fully informed before agreeing to the fight.
- After withdrawing sanction, the IBF refunded roughly $73,000 in fees and argued Zuffa promoted its belt as a world title rather than the token recognition its rules permit.
- Opetaia’s attorney has issued preservation notices and alleges coordinated collusion by sanctioning bodies and promoters, signaling potential legal action.
- Dana White criticized the IBF’s handling and predicted lawsuits, while Oscar De La Hoya publicly attacked Zuffa’s belts and urged Opetaia to rethink his alignment.