Australian Cruiserweight Boxer Jai Opetaia in Search of New Opponent for IBF World Title Defence
The manager of Australian cruiserweight boxing sensation Jai Opetaia, Michael Francis, is facing a sudden challenge in finding a new opponent for Opetaia’s upcoming IBF world title defence. This unexpected twist comes after the IBF’s number one ranked German star Huseyin Cinkara suffered a broken ankle, rendering him unable to face Opetaia in the scheduled January 8 showdown on the Gold Coast.
Potential Opponents Being Considered
Francis is currently exploring various options to secure a replacement opponent for Opetaia. Some of the fighters under consideration include:
- Russia’s Umar Salamov
- David Nyika from New Zealand
- Brandon Glanton from the US
- Robin Safar from Sweden
- Albania’s Juergen Uldedaj
Challenges in Finding a Replacement Opponent
According to Francis, the process of identifying a suitable opponent within the top 15 cruiserweights as per IBF rules is proving to be a logistical challenge. Some boxers may face visa issues, leading to a race against time to finalize a new contender. Despite the setback, Francis remains optimistic about securing a replacement in time for the event.
Opetaia, who boasts an undefeated record of 26 fights with 20 wins by knockout, is currently in training camp on the Gold Coast. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his opponent, Opetaia remains focused on his preparations for the world title defence.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks down to the scheduled title bout, the search for a new opponent intensifies, adding a layer of unpredictability to Opetaia’s upcoming fight. With Francis leading the charge to secure a worthy challenger, the boxing world awaits the announcement of the final contender.
AAP