Central Coast boxing star Jai Opetaia is set to bring world championship action back to Australia after sealing a dramatic last-minute deal to defend his IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight titles against undefeated German challenger Huseyin “The Hurricane” Cinkara.
The bout, finalised only hours before going to purse bid, will see Opetaia (28–0, 22 KOs) headline a blockbuster event in Australia against Cinkara (23–0, 19 KOs), a dangerous power-puncher who has been waiting for his mandatory shot.
It was revealed that in the lead-up to the deal, Opetaia’s manager Mick Francis had even offered Cinkara $150,000 to step aside, paving the way for a potential UK showdown with Englishman Chris Billam-Smith.
But with that plan shelved, attention has now returned squarely to Cinkara.
“Right now, while waiting for Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Jai wants the biggest fights he can get in the division,” Francis said.
“We know that when it comes to cruiserweights, it’s Jai Opetaia first and daylight second.
“We want to get Jai the biggest fights.”
A November date has been floated, with possible host cities including the Gold Coast, Perth and Townsville.
Before moving up in weight, Opetaia has been clear about his ambitions to unify the cruiserweight division.
Ramirez, who currently holds the WBO and WBA straps, is recovering from shoulder surgery, while Badou Jack is in line for a WBC-ordered rematch with Noel Mikaelian.
“First, I have to take care of Cinkara and then we keep chasing those belts,” Opetaia said.
“One thing’s for sure is the titles are staying in Australia.”
“I’m only 30 years old and I want to become undisputed cruiserweight champion, and once that’s done I want to move up to heavy or whoever’s next.”
Francis, who is Director of Tasman Fighters, said landing the fight on home soil was a huge achievement.
“Jai Opetaia is the best boxer in Australia and the number one cruiserweight in the world,” Francis said.
“Bringing this fight to Australia shows just how big he’s become.
“Fans can expect fireworks.”
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn said Opetaia had proven himself as an elite world champion and a global star.
“Facing an undefeated challenger like Cinkara shows the kind of fighter he is – always ready to take on the biggest threats,” he said.
“This is a fight the world will be watching.”
Skaie Hull
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