Jai Opetaia has become the first reigning world champion of a major sanctioning body to sign with Zuffa Boxing. Other former champions have signed with Zuffa, including former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela, former WBA “regular” welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev and former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin, who is slated to headline the February 14th Zuffa card.
Zuffa Boxing has stated it’s intention to focus on building new stars rather than signing established ones, and will not recognize current sanctioning body belts, instead creating its own “Zuffa belt,” which can lead to a Ring magazine title fight.
Opetaia already has the Ring cruiserweight belt, in addition to that of the IBF. It will be interesting to see if Zuffa head Dana White will try to convince Opetaia to relinquish the IBF title. Given White’s disdain and public desire to eliminate the four major sanctioning bodies from existence, Opetaia’s comments released today on Zuffa’s X account creates wonder as to whose goals will be met: White’s or Opetaia’s?
Opetaia stated, “What’s up everyone” It’s Jai Opetaia. I’m signed with Zuffa Boxing now. So, pumped for the future. Exciting times man. Let’s get these big fights over the line, unification, undisputed too. Let’s go!”
https://x.com/Zuffa_Boxing/status/2012319620641026150/video/2
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