The struggle all of us now need to see within the cruiserweight division is an it-makes-all-the-sense-in-the-world unification struggle between champions Gilberto Ramirez and Jai Opetaia. This one, a assured thriller, can not come quickly sufficient. First, although, Australian warrior Opetaia, unbeaten at 26-0(20) should fulfil his subsequent obligatory, this in opposition to IBF number-one challenger Huseyin Cinkara. The struggle will happen on the Gold Coast Conference Centre on January eighth, to be televised by DAZN.
It’s most likely truthful to say that many followers will probably be unfamiliar with 39 yr previous Cinkara. The person from Istanbul is unbeaten himself, this at 22-0(18) however he has not fought too many individuals of actual notice, Cinkara’s stoppage win over Armend Xhoxhaj seeing him earn his shot at Opetaia. On paper, this struggle looks as if a mismatch, with Opetaia’s time being wasted. Nonetheless obligatory defences are what they’re, and everyone knows the oldsters on the IBF are powerful on this regard.
Opetaia, for thus many followers not solely the perfect cruiserweight on the planet but in addition some of the spectacular and thrilling fighters round in the present day, can be a man who likes to remain energetic. The January 8 struggle will probably be Opetaia’s fourth struggle in a little bit over a yr, which going by in the present day’s commonplace, the place so many fighters field a few times a yr, that is good going. 29 yr previous Opetaia goals to unify the 200 pound division after which make the transfer to heavyweight.
No disrespect to Cinkara, however he doesn’t determine to spoil any of southpaw Opetaia’s plans when he fights him in January. After having fought his final 4 fights on the highway, within the UK and in Saudi Arabia, the January eighth struggle will probably be a homecoming for Opetaia. And Opetaia will probably be in no temper to let his passionate followers down. It will likely be shocking if this struggle goes the gap, let’s put it that method.
After which, hopefully, Opetaia and “Zurdo” will certainly get it on a while, some place in 2025. And who wins the battle when this one goes down?