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Jai Opetaia Defends Title Against Cinkara in Last-Minute Deal

9/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Jai Opetaia will defend his IBF cruiserweight title against Huseyin Cinkara following a last-minute agreement.
Opetaia's team offered Cinkara $150,000 to step aside for a potential December fight with Chris Billam-Smith.
Opetaia aims to unify titles, targeting Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez post-recovery from shoulder surgery.
Eddie Hearn commended Opetaia's readiness to face top challengers, highlighting his global star status.
Cinkara, who recently stopped Juan Diaz, withdrew from a January fight with Opetaia due to injury.

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Story summary

Jai Opetaia will defend his IBF cruiserweight title against Huseyin Cinkara following a last-minute agreement.
Opetaia's team offered Cinkara $150,000 to step aside for a potential December fight with Chris Billam-Smith.
Opetaia aims to unify titles, targeting Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez post-recovery from shoulder surgery.
Eddie Hearn commended Opetaia's readiness to face top challengers, highlighting his global star status.
Cinkara, who recently stopped Juan Diaz, withdrew from a January fight with Opetaia due to injury.