Jai Opetaia’s Australian homecoming world title defence has been confirmed and his unbeaten opponent has wasted little time throwing down the problem.
German-born, Türkiye-based obligatory opponent Huseyin Cinkara (22-0) is adamant he could cause a boilover on the Gold Coast Conference Centre on January 8.
The duel was one of many IBF’s calls for after it had allowed Opetaia to defend his title towards unranked Brit Jack Massey final month.
The combat shall be for Opetaia’s IBF Cruiserweight championship and Ring Journal Cruiserweight championship.
It is going to be Opetaia’s first combat on dwelling soil since he overcame a badly damaged jaw to upset Mairis Breidis and declare these belts greater than two years in the past.
Opetaia (26-0) has since produced 4 wins overseas — three ruthless stoppages and a tighter factors win in a Briedis rematch — to be thought-about by many because the world’s greatest cruiserweight and Australia’s main lively boxer.
A possible unification bout towards Mexican star and WBO and WBA belt-holder Gilberto Ramirez awaits as quickly as Might.
However Cinkara desires to spoil the get together.
“I’ve waited for this combat for a very long time, nothing can cease me,” the challenger stated on Friday.
After constructing his fame in Europe and Saudi Arabia — Riyadh has hosted his previous three fights — Opetaia will relish his Australian return and is conscious of the 39-year-old’s menace.
“I’ve obtained all of Australia and Samoa behind me, I am unable to allow them to down,” the 29-year-old stated.
“I am wanting ahead to overcoming the problem that Cinkara brings.
“He’ll be hungry to come back right here and get his fingers on my belts. It is not going to occur.”
Australian heavyweight Justis Huni (10-0) will co-headline the cardboard when he defends his WBO World title towards South African champion Shaun Potgieter (10-1).
AAP
