Jai Opetaia Wins Another Impressive Cruiserweight Defense

09 June 2025 – Samoan Australian IBF cruiserweight world champion, Jai Opetaia overpowered little-known Italian challenger Claudio Squeo and scored a fifth-round KO with one big right hand landed.

The bout was last nights main event for Matchroom Boxing/Riyadh Season co-promoted card in Broadbeach, Australia, with Opetaia defending his version of the cruiserweight title for the fourth time in less than a year with his KO win.

The impressive performance by the 29-year-old improved his record 28-0, 22 KOs, as he repeatedly scored with solid straight left hands against a considerably shorter and smaller opponent. The 34-year-old Squeo (previously 17-0) tried to compete at cruiserweight as the taller bigger Opetaia overpowered him with combinations throughout the fight.

The end came early in the fifth round when Opetaia caught Squeo on the left jaw with a right hand. Once Squeo went down on one knee, he immediately began pointing to his jaw and looking at his corner, as if he believed his jaw was broken. The referee counted out Squeo at: 36 seconds of the fifth.

Jai Opetaia lands the sharp right on Caludio Squeos left jaw and ended the fight in Round 5.

Last night’s win was the third consecutive title KO win for Opetaia dating back to last October and it only reinforces that Opetaia, for however long he continues to remain at cruiserweight, will be a handful for any world-class opponent.

Following the bout, Opetaia once again voiced his desire for a unification bout with Mexico’s WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez.

“We did what we had to do,” said Opetaia.

“I’m chasing this unification fight and it’s frustrating.

“Gilberto Ramirez – next fight, let’s get it on. I’m chasing the belts. The fight is easy to be made. Let’s do it.”