The IBF has stripped Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) of his cruiserweight title for the second time.
The decision follows a standoff between the IBF and Zuffa Boxing. The conflict stems from Opetaia’s headlining bout against Brandon Glanton on March 8 at the Meta APEX under Zuffa Boxing. The IBF initially granted conditional sanction for the fight after receiving assurances that any additional belt would be treated as a “trophy or token of recognition.”
When the bout was officially billed for the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship, the IBF immediately withdrew its sanction, labeling it an “unsanctioned contest.” Under IBF rules, if a champion competes in an unsanctioned bout within their weight limit, the title is automatically vacated—regardless of the result. Opetaia walked away with the Zuffa World Title, but he is now no longer the IBF champ.