In a surprising turn of events, Australian boxing sensation Jai Opetaia has been stripped of his cruiserweight title by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) just before his highly anticipated showdown with Ellis Zorro. The decision has drawn strong criticism from the renowned boxing promoter Frank Warren, who represents Zorro and is set to host this clash on the undercard of the blockbuster Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder bout in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.
Opetaia, 28, revealed the unfortunate news during an interview with Main Event TV, explaining that the IBF had demanded he vacate his belt due to Zorro’s status as a non-number-one contender in the organization’s rankings.
Warren wasted no time in expressing his disappointment with the IBF’s ruling. “It’s utterly ridiculous for the IBF to take this drastic action,” he stated emphatically. He went on to highlight that all parties involved, including the IBF’s top-ranked mandatory challenger Mairis Briedis, had previously given their approval for this bout to proceed. “The consensus was that this fight should go ahead. Everyone recognizes Opetaia as the standout talent in his weight class. So, we’re moving forward with the fight,” Warren asserted. “It’s too monumental an event to be derailed, and it presents a significant opportunity for both fighters. Frankly, the IBF’s decision is nothing short of absurd.”
Opetaia’s recent victory over Britain’s Jordan Thompson in September, secured through a devastating fourth-round stoppage, had solidified his status as a rising star in the cruiserweight division. However, the IBF’s unexpected move to strip him of his title has left him with mixed feelings. “They’ve really left me with no choice,” Opetaia conceded during his Main Event TV interview. “This is an incredible card, an opportunity I can’t turn down, so they’ve decided to strip me of my belts. It is what it is. They can make their decision, but I’m confident I’ll reclaim those belts. All I have to do is stay focused, train diligently, and continue winning. The belts will find their way back to me.”
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the showdown between Opetaia and Zorro, the controversy surrounding the IBF’s decision only adds to the intrigue of what promises to be an electrifying night of pugilistic action in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about boxing controversy
Q: Why was Jai Opetaia stripped of his IBF cruiserweight title?
A: Jai Opetaia was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight title because his opponent, Ellis Zorro, was not the IBF’s number one contender, which led to the organization’s decision to enforce this action.
Q: Who is Frank Warren, and why is he disappointed with the IBF’s decision?
A: Frank Warren is a renowned boxing promoter who represents Ellis Zorro, the opponent of Jai Opetaia. Warren is disappointed with the IBF’s decision because it has jeopardized the highly anticipated fight and has been widely criticized as unjust, as both fighters and the boxing community had previously supported this bout.
Q: How did Jai Opetaia react to losing his IBF cruiserweight title?
A: Jai Opetaia expressed mixed feelings about losing his IBF cruiserweight title. While he acknowledged that the IBF had left him with no choice but to relinquish the belt, he remains determined to regain it through hard work, dedication, and continued victories in the ring.
Q: What was the significance of Jai Opetaia’s victory over Jordan Thompson in September?
A: Jai Opetaia’s victory over Jordan Thompson in September solidified his reputation as a rising star in the cruiserweight division. The win, achieved through a fourth-round stoppage, showcased his prowess and potential in the world of professional boxing.
Q: When and where is the fight between Jai Opetaia and Ellis Zorro scheduled to take place?
A: The bout between Jai Opetaia and Ellis Zorro is scheduled to take place on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder fight, set to be held in Saudi Arabia on a highly anticipated boxing event this Saturday.
More about boxing controversy
- Jai Opetaia – BoxRec
- Frank Warren – Official Website
- International Boxing Federation (IBF) – Official Website
- Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder – ESPN
- Jai Opetaia’s Victory over Jordan Thompson – BBC Sport
- Ellis Zorro – BoxRec
5 comments
so, this sat in saudi, it’s gonna be big, cant w8!
i luv how warren speaks out. it’s ridiculous for real.
who’s zorro? never heard of him before.
opetaia getting stripped? That’s bs. zorro shud still fight him, tho.
opetaia’s got skillz, he’ll bounce bak!