Jai Opetaia Set for Mandatory Defence in Gold Coast Return

Unbeaten Australian Jai Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) will return to action on January 8, 2025, to defend his IBF cruiserweight world title against mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara (22-0, 18 KOs). The cruiserweight clash will take place at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland live on DAZN.

Jai Opetaia Next Fight: Mandatory Defence Details

Opetaia Returns Home for IBF Showdown

Opetaia will return to action just a few months after his impressive showing against Jack Massey. He defeated the Brit in round six of their clash in Riyadh, with Massey’s corner throwing in the towel. Many described it as the most impressive performance from Opetaia as the Australian fighter used his feet exceptionally well and showcased his repertoire of accurate combinations, which ultimately left a tough Massey unable to continue.

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The fight against Cinkara will see the 29-year-old Southpaw return to the same venue where he won the IBF crown against Mairis Briedis in their first fight. Many have called for a unification fight against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez who holds the WBA and WBO belts following his impressive victory over Chris Billam-Smith.

This unification fight remains a real prospect, but before that, Opetaia needs to take care of his mandatory defence against Cinkara. The German became mandatory after he knocked out Armend Xhoxhaj in the IBF eliminator in April.

IBF Rules

The Australian’s team were successful in requesting an exemption from the IBF to face Massey with the stipulation that the bout couldn’t take place any later than October 12. The winner would then have to face the mandatory challenger by January 20. The IBF doesn’t entertain consecutive voluntary defences, which has led us to the Cinkara fight.

Read More: Gilberto Ramirez Calls for Jai Opetaia Unification After Dominant Display

With the Cinkara mandatory set, Opetaia will look to continue his reign as the IBF king. The Australian will be eager to put on a show in front of his fans on home soil, hopefully leading to a huge unification fight against “Zurdo” Ramirez in 2025.