Jai Opetaia has made it clear that his ultimate goal remains unchanged: becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world. The undefeated Australian star believes the fastest route to achieving that dream runs directly through unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez, and he’s ready to make the fight happen.
Speaking during a Zuffa Boxing Q&A session in Washington, D.C., Opetaia expressed enthusiasm about a potential showdown with Benavidez, a fight many boxing fans view as one of the most compelling matchups available in the sport today.
While Opetaia remains open to facing fellow Zuffa Boxing fighter Chris Billam-Smith, it was clear that Benavidez is the opponent he truly wants next. “I’d love that fight,” Opetaia said.
“I’ve been chasing these unification fights for such a long time now, so to get one over the line would be awesome. I’m just waiting. That fight is easy to make on our side, so I don’t know what the holdup is on theirs.”
The comments reflect the growing frustration from Opetaia’s camp as the Australian continues searching for the elite fights necessary to cement his legacy.
Benavidez Holds the Cards
The challenge for Opetaia is that Benavidez currently possesses no shortage of options. David Benavidez elevated his stock even further after stopping Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds to become a unified cruiserweight champion and three-division world champion. The Phoenix native now finds himself at the center of several potential blockbuster fights.
Among the possibilities:
- A showdown with Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.
- A trilogy-defining clash with Artur Beterbiev.
- A cruiserweight unification bout against Noel Mikaelian after the WBC named Benavidez as the mandatory challenger.
With so many lucrative opportunities available, Opetaia may have to remain patient while Benavidez decides his next move.
A Tougher Road to Undisputed
Opetaia’s path toward undisputed status became considerably more difficult following his victory over Brandon Glanton in March. The Ring cruiserweight champion defeated Glanton by unanimous decision in Las Vegas, but the aftermath came with a significant consequence.
The IBF stripped Opetaia of its world title after he elected to pursue the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight championship, creating another obstacle in his pursuit of undisputed status.
Despite losing the belt, Opetaia remains recognized by many as the division’s premier cruiserweight and continues to view unification fights as the key to securing his place among boxing’s elite champions.
The 30-year-old southpaw from Sydney isn’t interested in taking shortcuts. His focus remains solely on collecting belts and proving himself against the very best fighters in the division.
“We’re hoping to make that dream possible by the end of the year,” Opetaia said. “That’s a perfect plan, but early next year will be good. Undisputed is what I want. Any of these other belt holders want it, it’s an easy fight to make. All they’ve got to do is reach out.”
A Potential Zuffa Boxing Super Fight
If Benavidez elects to remain at cruiserweight, a showdown with Opetaia could become one of the biggest fights available under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Both fighters are undefeated. Both are regarded among the best pound-for-pound talents in the sport. And both possess fan-friendly styles that virtually guarantee fireworks.
For now, Opetaia waits. But if his vision becomes reality, boxing fans could soon witness one of the most significant cruiserweight fights of the modern era.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
