Jai Opetaia Signs with Zuffa Boxing; Free to Seek Unification Fights
By Eddie Sanchez
Jai Opetaia’s move to Zuffa Boxing will not block his pursuit of full unification at cruiserweight, despite early assumptions that the promotion would operate outside the traditional title system. The signing by Zuffa is a splash considering their most prominent fighter on the roster was Callum Walsh.
“They will let Jai fight for the titles and unify the division, which is exactly what he wants to do,” Mick Francis, Opetaia’s manager and co-promoter shared in an interview with Boxing King Media.
The clarification is notable given public comments from Zuffa president Dana White, who has repeatedly stated that Zuffa Boxing plans to build its own rankings and titles rather than operate within the existing sanctioning-body structure, and more importantly, without collaboration from other promoters.
Given the landscape of the division, Noel Mikaelian, the WBC champion who recently won his belt by overcoming his previous loss to Badou Jack, is likely to get the nod is Jai and his team can secure a unification.
Gilberto Ramirez, the owner of the other two belts, is set to face David Benavidez, and no mater who the victor is, many within the industry believe they will steer clear from Jai and seek out more financially beneficial fights.
Opetaia’s move brings some legitimacy to Zuffa Boxing and it will be interesting to see how the promotion progresses further.
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