Jai Opetaia, the Australian world champion, is ready to make a significant statement as he prepares for his Las Vegas debut on March 8 against Brandon Glanton. The 30-year-old IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world champion is set to showcase his talent at the UFC’s Meta Apex theatre, marking his first appearance since aligning with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Opetaia, who boasts an impressive record of 29-0, has made strides in a career that began when he was the youngest Olympic boxer at the 2012 London Games. After overcoming a devastating jaw injury, he defended his titles three times last year, yet he has often felt overshadowed in his home country, struggling to secure high-profile bouts with fellow champions.
With Zuffa Boxing not recognizing traditional boxing organizations such as the IBF, WBA, WBC, or WBO, many eyes are on Opetaia as he navigates this new landscape. Nonetheless, Dana White has assured him that opportunities for unification fights will remain, with reigning WBC champion Noel Mikaelian a potential target for later this year. Opetaia has been itching for a match against Gilberto Ramirez, the holders of the WBA and WBO titles, although Ramirez has skipped fighting him for two years now.
Opetaia expressed confidence that his exposure in the American boxing scene could enhance his chances of landing critical fights. “We’ve always had to do things differently, so why stop now?” he remarked. His aspirations include not only a WBC title victory but also an eventual unification of all cruiserweight belts.
His upcoming opponent, Glanton, known for his knockout ability, has previously made headlines for his bold comments, although he stepped back from verbally aggressive banter after a recent defeat. Opetaia anticipates an aggressive contest, eager to see how Glanton performs under pressure.
Manager Mick Francis believes that Opetaia’s straightforward personality, coupled with his knockout power, will resonate well with fans in the States, particularly among the Pacific Islander community on the West Coast. Emphasizing his cultural heritage, Opetaia aims to captivate American audiences while humorously lamenting the lack of support from his own country.
“This is a dream come true to fight for a world title in Vegas,” he said, viewing this fight as a vital stepping stone. Having trained in Las Vegas for a month and spent time alongside heavyweight great Oleksandr Usyk, Opetaia feels at home among boxing’s elite.
The upcoming fight represents not just an opportunity but a pivotal moment in Opetaia’s career, as he seeks to elevate his status in the boxing world and make a name for himself on international soil. With determination driving him forward, he is ready to seize this chance to closer unify the cruiserweight division.
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