Jai Opetaia officially stripped of IBF cruiserweight title as Zuffa Boxing era begins
Opetaia’s move to Zuffa has cost him his world title, marking the end of a complex saga – but the star of a new era
Jai Opetaia has officially been stripped of the IBF cruiserweight title after his switch to Zuffa Boxing . Opetaia has long eyed undisputed status at cruiserweight – wishing to collect all the major belts – so his decision to join Zuffa in January came as a surprise, given the new promotion’s desire to disrupt the traditional system and introduce its own title in each division. It always seemed likely that Opetaia’s move would lead to complications , and when he was paired with Brandon Glanton in a fight for Zuffa’s first belt, there were mixed messages over his status as IBF champion .
That mixed messaging persisted through fight week, with the Australian boxer insisting that his IBF belt would be on the line against Glanton. Ultimately it was not, as Opetaia went on to outpoint the American with ease. Jai Opetaia after winning the inaugural Zuffa Boxing title (Zuffa Boxing) And now the organisation has formally stripped Opetaia, 30, of his IBF title.
A statement on Monday read: “On March 19, 2026, the IBF Board of Directors met via teleconference to address the status of the IBF Cruiserweight title held by Jai Opetaia. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board voted to vacate the title pursuant to Rule 5. H.
The IBF Cruiserweight title is vacant. “The IBF wishes Jai Opetaia continued success in his career. He rose through the IBF rankings to become World Champion, one of the highest achievements in a fighter’s career.