Jai Opetaia Accuses Cruiserweight Rivals of Avoiding Him Ahead of Mandatory Title Defence

Unbeaten IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) has hit out at fellow contenders Chris Billam-Smith and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, accusing both of dodging potential showdowns as he prepares for a mandatory title defence.

The 30-year-old Australian is expected to face undefeated challenger Huseyin Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) next, though an official fight date is yet to be confirmed. The bout was initially scheduled for January 8 on the Gold Coast but was postponed after Cinkara suffered a training injury.

Despite his commitment to fulfilling mandatory obligations, Opetaia remains focused on unifying the division — a goal that has proved elusive amid failed talks and frustration.

Speaking to Boxing News, Opetaia voiced his displeasure over stalled negotiations with both WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs) and WBC/WBA/WBO unified titleholder Gilberto Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs).

“That’s the only reason I want to fight him [Billam-Smith]. He’s got nothing I want — even when he had the belt, the fight was easy to make, but he dodged me,” Opetaia said. “He took the easy way. He thought he was going to beat Zurdo. He wanted to cash in before losing to me.”

While still complimentary of Billam-Smith’s ability, Opetaia made it clear that he sees himself on another level: “He’s a respectable fighter. I believe he’s great. But when I beat him — and I will — people will say, ‘F*ck, this guy’s good.’ That will just make the next fight even bigger.”

Opetaia also cast doubt over Ramirez’s willingness to engage in an undisputed bout, alleging the Mexican champion is pricing himself out: “They said he’s asking for stupid numbers. All I know is, they’re using excuses not to take the fight.”

With his sights firmly set on unification, Opetaia is also keeping one eye on a potential move up to the heavyweight division — but not before settling his business at cruiserweight and claiming all four major belts.