Overview
- IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titleholder Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) announced a promotional deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, with the signing revealed on Zuffa’s social channels.
- Zuffa has not clarified whether Opetaia will be exclusive to its events, creating uncertainty for his stated goal of unifying titles recognized by the IBF, WBC, WBA, and WBO.
- White has said he does not intend to recognize traditional sanctioning bodies or routinely work with other promoters, even as Opetaia’s deal was presented as a partnership with Tasman Fighters.
- Zuffa’s first card streams Jan. 23 on Paramount+ from the UFC Apex, headlined by Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo, with Misael Rodriguez–Austin Deanda and Julian Rodriguez–Cain Sandoval also announced.
- A promotional video showed a Zuffa Boxing championship belt, drawing scrutiny because the Muhammad Ali Act restricts promoter-created titles, alongside fan criticism of the belt design and of an underpowered debut lineup.