IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and challenger Huseyin Cinkara successfully weighed in on Friday at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Surfers Paradise, Australia. Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) defends against Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) this Saturday, December 6th.
Zurdo & Monster Avoiding Jai?
It’s a fight that should ideally open the door to Opetaia facing the winner of the clash between WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and David Benavidez from their May 2, 2026, bout. The likelihood of that happening is remote.
Benavidez has already said he wants to return to the light heavyweight division after challenging Ramirez for his two belts. Fans saw that as a signal that ‘The Mexican Monster’ wants no part of facing Opetaia and will avoid him like the plague, just as Zurdo Ramirez has done.
If Jai Smashes Cinkara — Expect More Ducking
The reality is, if Opetaia annihilates his #1 IBF mandatory Cinkara on Saturday night, he’s going to be even more avoided than he’s been. He’s in the ‘who needs em’ club and is viewed as a career wrecker.
Weigh-in results
Jaia Opetaia – 199.5 vs. Huseyin Cinkara – 200.5
The event will be shown live on UFC Pass outside of Australia.
Danny Green Backs Jai in Brutal Fashion
“Jai Opetaia is the best cruiserweight in the world, and tomorrow night he’s going to prove it. Cinkara is undefeated, but he hasn’t had the same opposition as Jai,” said former two-division world champion Danny Green to Jai McAllister Boxing.
“When you have nothing to lose, being in Cinkara’s position, it makes you more dangerous. Jai isn’t looking past Cinkara. They’re consummate pros. They’re dialed in for Ciinkara, and he’s going to be in a lot of trouble. He is the real deal, and he’s terrifying. ”
It doesn’t matter how desperate Cinkara is with his career. He’s overmatched going up against Opetaia and lacks the credentials to have a chance of winning. Cinkara’s resume is filled with unknown opposition from top to bottom.
Cinkara’s Resume Under the Microscope
Juan Diaz
Armend Xhoxhaj
Reinaldo Gonzalez
Vaclav Pejsar
“Jai has got to be next,” said Green when asked about David Benavidez challenging WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez for his titles in early May 2026. “I think it works in Jai’s favor because it’s going to be an even bigger fight when Jai unifies.”
Bob Smith has been writing for Boxing News 24 since 2008, making him one of the site’s longest-serving contributors. With well over a decade of experience, he has established himself as a senior boxing writer who delivers reliable coverage of the global fight scene.
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Boxing News 24 » Opetaia Will Be Even More Avoided After He Beats Cinkara
Last Updated on 12/05/2025