Sports
Jai Opetaia Sues IBF Over Cruiserweight Title Removal
By Jeannie Penehuro/
Apia, SAMOA – 23 July 2026 – Zuffa Boxing World Champion, Jai Opetaia has taken legal action against the International Boxing Federation (IBF), accusing the organization of unlawfully stripping him of his cruiserweight title.
Australian Boxing Centrals emphasised that Opetaia claims that the IBF removed his title after he signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
According to Opetaia, the IBF conspired with other major sanctioning bodies and influential figures in the boxing world to punish him for joining Zuffa Boxing.
He believes the move was a retaliation aimed at discouraging other fighters from following his example.
The lawsuit brings new attention to the ongoing conflicts within the sport’s governing bodies.
Opetaia’s case suggests there may be deeper issues of bias and unfair treatment in boxing’s sanctioning organizations.
Feiloaiga a le Afioga ile Palemia ma le Vasega o Tusitala & Au Faasalalau – 2 Aperila
Lavasiga o le Aso: 06 Faamasinoga, HRPP SUPA, Vaalele Fou, Ola Faalagolago – 22 Iuni 2025
