Jai Opetaia sues IBF over cruiserweight title strip

Undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia has filed a lawsuit against the IBF claiming the organization colluded with rival sanctioning bodies to strip him of his title after he signed with Zuffa Boxing.

According to Uncrowned's Darshan Desai, the 30-0 Australian alleges a conspiracy involving the WBA, WBC, WBO, and former promoter Eddie Hearn. Opetaia lost his IBF belt this past March when the organization deemed his Zuffa debut against Brandon Glanton an unsanctioned bout, despite Glanton holding a recognized title. Opetaia won that fight on all three cards.

What Opetaia wants from the lawsuit

The suit seeks reinstatement as IBF cruiserweight champion plus damages, legal fees, and an injunction blocking the IBF from naming a replacement champion while litigation continues. Opetaia reportedly claims that proof of the alleged conspiracy exists in group text messages and WhatsApp exchanges between officials.

The Australian had planned to challenge WBC champion Noel Mikaelian next, but WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman ordered a three-belt unification between Mikaelian and David Benavidez instead. Opetaia points to that directive as evidence the sanctioning bodies coordinated against him after his Zuffa move.

Zuffa Boxing founder Dana White said publicly when launching the venture that he had no intention of working with the traditional sanctioning bodies. Opetaia is scheduled to defend his Zuffa cruiserweight title in October against an opponent to be named.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Jai Opetaia sues IBF, alleges wide-ranging conspiracy