Boxing Updates: Breidis vs. Ramirez Set for Vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title After Jai Opetaia Vacates the Belt, Purse Bids Date Revealed

Published 01/04/2024, 3:04 AM EST

The boxing world will soon witness a title fight in the cruiserweight division. Jai Opetaia, the Australian professional boxer is no longer the IBF cruiserweight world title holder. The undefeated boxer became world champion back in 2022 after he defeated Mairis Briedis via a unanimous decision.

Moreover, he last fought against Ellis Zorro in the Kingdom of Saudi and got a stoppage in an impressive victory. However, before the fight against Zorro, he had to relinquish his belts. How and why did this happen? And who will now compete for the vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title? Let’s find out.

Gilberto Ramirez vs Mairis Briedis: The saga behind the IBF cruiserweight title

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Opetaia was stripped of his title after the IBF did not recognize and approve of his decision to fight against Zorro in the undercard of the Joshua vs Otto Wallin main event in Saudi Arabia. Before Opetaia took up the financially lucrative fight, he was asked to face a legitimate contender in their eyes before a stipulated time. Unfortunately, the challenger Breidis was injured and could not fight anytime soon.

“It saddens me to relinquish it. Briedis isn’t ready to fight on Dec. 23 and I need to stay active. I simply can’t turn down a career-high payday,” Opetaia told ESPN after relinquishing his belt.

“We were left with three options: vacate, be stripped if Jai fights on Dec. 23, or wait for Briedis,” Jai’s manager told ESPN.

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Meanwhile, the division has to keep the fights coming and moreover a belt is lying vacant. Who will compete for it? Reportedly it would be Mairis Briedis and Gilberto Ramirez. The date of the fight has not been revealed and the undercard bouts are still in the making. Michael Benson reported, “The IBF have officially ordered Mairis Briedis vs Gilberto Ramirez for the vacant IBF cruiserweight world title after Jai Opetaia vacated the belt. Purse bids set for Jan 16th”

The IBF have officially ordered Mairis Briedis vs Gilberto Ramirez for the vacant IBF cruiserweight world title after Jai Opetaia vacated the belt. Purse bids set for Jan 16th. [@DanRafael1]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 3, 2024

Briedis and Ramirez are both top contenders, according to IBF rankings. They are ranked number 3 and 4 respectively. Ramirez has more wins under his belt and one less defeat when compared to former IBF Cruserweight champion Breidis. Breidis is a three-time cruiserweight champion having held the WBC and IBF cruiserweight titles before. And Ramirez is the former WBO Supermiddleweight champion and made his debut in the cruiserweight division last year against Joe Smith Junior. Apart from their boxing record, their styles will make it a great contest.

On the other hand, Opetaia lost his world title and he is not pleased with it at all!

Jai Opetaia expresses dissatisfaction over losing the IBF title

At the outset, Opetaia was not too pleased to have his title eventually vacated. According to the Boxing scene, he revealed that the entire saga has been quite “frustrating,” and urged the authorities to be compassionate towards him. He stated, “It feels like they’re making decisions without knowing how it affects the fighter’s life.” He added, “Holding me back from providing for my family.”

“Absolute Joke”: Renowned Boxing Figure Joins Fans in Slamming IBF’s “Putrid” Decision That Led Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia to Relinquish His Title

Despite his above comments, the division has now officially moved on and we will witness a new boxer become the champion. Would it be Ramirez or would it be Briedis? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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Written by:

“Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion,” this is precisely the motto of my life and it was said by none other than the legend that inspires me the most - Muhammad Ali. I am a boxing author at EssentiallySports.

Edited by:

Arijit Saha

Boxing Updates: Breidis vs. Ramirez Set for Vacant IBF Cruiserweight Title After Jai Opetaia Vacates the Belt, Purse Bids Date Revealed

Gilberto Ramirez vs Mairis Briedis: The saga behind the IBF cruiserweight title

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Jai Opetaia expresses dissatisfaction over losing the IBF title