Former world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetai will become mandatory for his own title after the IBF stripped him less than a month ago.
The Australian lost his red belt after deciding to defend it at ‘Judgment Day’ in Saudi Arabia against unranked Ellis Zorro.
Instead of giving Opetaia a short-lived pass to earn the most money of his career, the IBF was adamant about sticking to its rules.
Like Tyson Fury and many others in the past, the IBF enforced its regulations without much room for maneuver. However, since then this situation has become ridiculous.
Jai Opetaia Mandatory Cruiserweight Order
According to the IBF mandatory order, Opetaia had to face Mairis Briedis in his next defense. Even though Briedis was not ready, the IBF would not allow Opetaia a voluntary pass.
Instead, the IBF stripped Opetaia of the title in what was a headache for many in the sport. Even more so when you take into account that the 28-year-old is the holder of Ring magazine and the linear champion of the division.
The IBF needed some common sense, which has since become even more frustrating. Upon relieving Opetaia of his title duties, the IBF ordered Briedis to fight Gilbert Ramírez for the vacant belt.
Ramiez chose a WBA offer to face his champion, Arsen Goulamirian. Who is next in line for a shot at the belt? – Jai Opetaita.
This makes the IBF’s move seem even harsher if the mandatory IBF title fight between Opetaia and Briedis takes place.
But the question now is: ‘Will the IBF order Opetaia to fight for his own belt again?’ – And if they did, would she accept?
It is a strange and unfortunate event that could have been avoided if all parties simply sat around the table and worked out a short-term plan.
If Opetaia vs Briedis does not happen, the IBF would turn to Ryan Rozicki. However, that is not easy either because Rozicki is the number one in the WBC.
The situation will remain in place until an amicable conclusion is reached.
Current IBF Cruiserweight Rankings – January 2024
1 UNCLASSIFIED2 UNCLASSIFIED3 Mairis Briedis Latvia (LVA)4 Gilberto Ramirez Mexico (MEX)5 Jai Opetaia Australia (AUS)6 Ryan Rozicki Canada (CAN)7 Huseyin Cincara Germany (GER)8 Michal Cieslak Poland (POL)9 Armend Xhoxhaj Germany 10 Yves Ngabu Belgium (BEL) 11 Isaac Chamberlain United Kingdom (GBR) 12 Richard Riakporhe United Kingdom (GBR) 13 Roman Fres Germany (GER) 14 Marcus Browne United States (USA) 15 Zhaoxin Zangh China (CHN)
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer and has been the editor of World Boxing News since 2010.
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