Jai Opetaia won the inaugural Zuffa Boxing Cruiserweight title with a 12-round unimous decision over Brandon Glanton at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

In round six, Glanton was deducted a point for holding.

In round 11, Opetaia was deducted a point for holding.

Opetaia of Australia won by scores of 119-106 on all cards.

The bout was marred in controversy all week as Opetaia was seemingly stripped of his IBF title after the organization was on board with the sanctioning. The IBF made the decision late on Friday night, apparently feeling disrespected for the placement of their title bout during fight week activities.

Salas Stops Saracho in 8

Ricardo Salas stopped Jesus Saracho in round-eight of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Salas dominated and poured on the volume over the second half of the fight and the bout was stopped at 2:09 of round eight.

Salas is now 23-2 with 18 knockouts. Saracho falls to 16-3-2.

Rubio Gets Dropped Twice But Decisions Palma

Pablo Rubio Jr. was dropped two times in round three, but was able to comeback and out work Adan Palma and take an eight-round unanimous decision in a featherweight bout.

In round three, Palma was able to hurt and drop Rubio with a left hook along the ropes. Later in the round, it was a short right that put Rubio down again. Rubio was able to gather himself and begin landing volume for the remaining round and took the unanimous decision by scores of 77-73 twice and 76-74.

Rubio of Whittier, CA is 15-0. Palma is is 14-1.

Vlad Panin stopped Shinard Bunch in round nine of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Panin dominated the action and a big flurry caused a stoppage ay 2:29 of round nine.

Panin, 146.5 lbs of Las Vegas is 24-2 with 16 knockouts. Bunch, 147 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 22-4-1.

Joshua Juarez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jardae Anderson in a heavyweight bout.

Juarez, 256 lbs of Laredo, TX won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 and is now 15-0. Anderson, 263 lbs of Davenport, IA is 11-2.

Jaycob Ramos and Ethan Perez battled to a six-round draw in a featherweight battle featuring fighters from the Lone Star State.

Each fighter landed 83 punches.

Ramos took a card 57-55 and two cards were even at 56-56.

Ramos, 126 lbs of Dallas is 4-1-1. Perez, 125.5 lbs of San Antonio is 8-0-1.

In round two, Perez dropped Ramos with a straight left to the chin. In round three, Ramos returned the favor by dropping Perez with a counter right,

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Brady Ochoa and Adrian Serrano battled to a six-round majority draw.

Ochoa outlanded Serrano 105-104.

Ochoa took a card 58-56 while two cards were even at 57-57.

Ochoa, 134 lbs of Las Vegas is 9-0-1. Serrano, 135 lbs of Salinas, CA is 6-0-2.

Emiliano Alvarado remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Erick Rosado in a featherweight bout.

After a good first round from Rosado, Alvarado landed a perfect double left hook to the body and then head that put Rosado on his back.

Alvarado, 125.5 lbs of Coachella, CA won by scores of 59-54 on all cards and is now 11-0. Rosado, 1245 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-5.

HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada (February 18, 2026) – Power-punching Canadian cruiserweight Rozicki (20-1-1, 19 KOs), currently ranked No. 1 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 5 by Ring Magazine, is challenging reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Champion Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs).

As Ryan pursues his goal of becoming the first Canadian-born Cruiserweight Champion of the World, he must fight for the first time since December 7, 2024, having been sidelined largely due to a torn right bicep that he reinjured, along with several world title fights falling through.

Rozicki’s long-awaited ring return will headline the March 7th show against Gerardo Mellado (12-4, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event on a card presented by Rozicki’s promoter, Three Lions Promotions, at Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

“Jai and his team know who I am,” Rozicki reported. “I have been knocking on that door for years. They obviously don’t want the fight; it is what it is. Right now, I’m focused on my March 7th bout. Then, I’m coming to take what’s mine! I’m going to be the cruiserweight champion of the world.”

“We tried numerous times to get that fight with Jai,” Three Lions Promotions Managing Director Daniel Otter explained. “I’m sure Dana White (Zuffa Boxing) will like that fight (Opetaia vs. Rozicki). He makes his guys take on the best. Ryan has a fight next month, the day before Jai. Let’s see what happens after those fights. I am confident that Ryan has what it takes to stop Jai. To be frank, I think that because of the styles of both fighters, Ryan gets him out of there early. No disrespect to Jai and his team, but Ryan is cut from a different cloth. Everyone will find out soon enough.”

Fighting out of Australia, Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) recently signed a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, and he faces Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs) on March 8th at Metro Apex in Las Vegas.

Sydney-native Rozicki, 30, is unbeaten in 7 fights in Sydney with 1 draw and 6 knockouts. Sporting a sensational 95% knockout ratio, Ryan was scheduled to fight Akani “Prime” Phuzi for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight title on October 25 in Sydney. However, the bout was cancelled after Rozicki reinjured his right bicep.

The 8-round co-featured event on Mar. 7 is set between Canadian light heavyweights Brandon Brewer (28-4-3, 12 KOs), former North American Boxing Association (NABA) Canadian Super Middleweight Champion, and Daniel Beaupre (6-2, 3 KOs).

Announced undercard fights for March 7 include an 8-round co-featured event an All-Nova Scotia showdown between a pair of popular local boxers, Brett Beaton (6-4, 4 KOs) and David Logue (4-1, 4 KOs), in a 10-round match for the vacant National Championships of Canada (NCC) Super Middleweight Championship.

Undefeated super welterweight prospect Dylan Taylor (4-0, 3KO), fighting out of Sarnia, Canada, faces Alex Nemeth (1-1-0), of Hungary, in a 6-round match.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ca) and the Centre 200 website (www.centre200.ca).

INFORMATION:

Website: www.threelionspromotions.com

Facebook: #ThreeLionsPromotions #RyanRozickiBoxing

Instagram: @3LionsPromotions @Ryan_Rozicki

X: @RRozicki

LinkedIN: @DanielOtter

February 10, 2026 – Zuffa Boxing will return to Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 8 featuring Ring Magazine Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia defending his title and perfect record against Brandon Glanton in the 12-round main event. The newly minted Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight Championship will also be on the line in the headline bout of the three-fight main card, beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT, exclusively on Paramount+.

Tickets for ZUFFA BOXING 04: OPETAIA VS. GLANTON will go on sale Friday, February 13 at 3pm ET/12pm PT via AXS.com. An exclusive presale will begin Friday, February 13 at 1pm ET/10am PT. Visit zuffaboxing.com/register to receive the presale access code and to be the first to learn about future pre-sale opportunities. 

ZUFFA BOXING 04: OPETAIA VS. GLANTON will feature Australian phenom Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs), who will defend his Ring Magazine cruiserweight title for the eighth time as he makes his U.S. debut in Las Vegas. Now fighting exclusively under the Zuffa Boxing banner, the 30-year-old Opetaia will face a dangerous knockout puncher in 33-year-old Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs) of Atlanta, who is competing for his first title. In addition to the Ring Magazine title, the Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight Championship will be unveiled on March 8, with the winner crowned the inaugural Zuffa Boxing champion.

Fans can stream the full eight-fight Zuffa Boxing card with a Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost in the U.S., Latin America, Brazil, and Canada. 

About Zuffa Boxing
Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (“TKO”) (NYSE: TKO) and Sela, the entertainment conglomerate. TKO serves as managing partner, providing day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight of the promotion, with executive leadership anchored by UFC President and CEO Dana White and WWE President and TKO Board Member Nick Khan. The promotion aims to reimagine the sport of boxing by evolving the current model to restore the sport’s rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem. For more information, follow @Zuffa_Boxing on X; and @ZuffaBoxing on Snapchat, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

About Paramount+ 

Paramount+ is a premium streaming subscription service delivering live sports, breaking news, and a Mountain of Entertainment™, and is a cornerstone of the Direct-to-Consumer division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME^®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions.  

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.

About Sela
Founded in 1997, Sela is a Saudi Arabian company specializing in creating, constructing, and operating unique destinations and recreational experiences across sports, entertainment, culture, and hospitality sectors. Initially recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first FIFA-recognized athletes’ representation company, Sela expanded into sports marketing and has since diversified into broader recreational industries. 

About TKO
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.

LOS ANGELES (June 24, 2025) –- Mexican cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) must take care of business this Saturday night in his World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) title defenses versus the WBA’s No. 1, mandatory challenger Yuniel “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs). At stake is a possible mega fight against internet sensation Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (11-1, 7 KOs), who headlines a loaded DAZN Pay-Per-View event, presented by MVP Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

Ramirez vs. Dorticos is a 12-round co-featured event. Paul faces Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (54-6-1, 34 KOs), the son of 6-time, 3-division world champion, Hall of Famer Julio Ceasar Chavez (107-6-2, 85 KOs), in the 10-round main event at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“This is a great opportunity, and I look forward to putting on a great performance for my fans,” Ramirez said. “I think there is a chance of a possible world title fight in the future against Paul. He mentioned that he was ‘ready’ to challenge me during a recent press conference. I do believe he’s a man of his words and that he meant it.”

Fighting on the same card as Chavez, Jr., of course, is special for “Zurdo” for several reasons.

“His father is one of my favorite fighters of all-time and he did inspire me as a youth to pursue boxing,” Ramirez explained. “I think my fans and Chavez’ will support both of us. We are both from Sinaloa, Mexico, and have a lot of pride in our culture and country.”

Dorticos is certainly dangerous, evident by his 93% KO percentage, 25 of his 27 victories ending before the distance. But with a victory and no injuries, “Zurdo” stands to have two potential options if a match against Paul isn’t next. Next, he could add another world cruiserweight title to his already overloaded display case against reigning champions (IBF) Jay Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) or (WBC) Badou Jack (29-3-3, 18 KOs). And Ramirez is also closing in on the mercurial 50 career wins list.

“The goal is still the same,” Ramirez insisted, “becoming undisputed Cruiserweight Champion of the world. But we can still make the Paul fight next. We’ll see if he’s about the action or if it was just talk. I’m getting close to 50 wins, but my focus has always been on becoming a legend in the sport and collecting belts.” 

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /ZurdoPromotions /GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

ABOUT ZURDO PROMOTIONS: Headquartered in Las Vegas and Mexico, Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event led by former World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set a new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

All roads lead to Jai Opetaia. That is the stern warning from the ‘King of the Cruiserweights’ himself as he prepares to remind the world this Saturday that he is the top dog in the division despite having to give up his IBF World Title.

The Australian is just six days away from his ‘Day of Reckoning’ with Ellis Zorro in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – live worldwide on DAZN PPV.

But the No.1 ranked fighter and reigning Ring Magazine World Champion will be without the IBF crown having been forced to vacate the belt earlier today.

With mandatory rival Mairis Briedis currently injured, a special appeal was requested by Matchroom, Tasman Fighters, Queensberry and Wasserman Boxing to the IBF to allow Opetaia to defend his crown against Britain’s Zorro this weekend.

But with the IBF denying Opetaia that opportunity, the Aussie has reluctantly relinquished his championship. Fired up, Opetaia now vows to do his talking in the ring and showing why he is rated as the best Cruiserweight on the planet.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show,” Opetaia told Matchroom Boxing.

“I cannot wait to get in the ring. It’s all outside noise and it’s also just fuel on the fire. It makes me want to perform even better. The thing is all roads lead to me. I am the Ring magazine World Champion, the number one in the division. I am the king of the Cruiserweights.

“We’ve definitely earned our spot on this card, which is the biggest in boxing history. I can’t lie, it’s been a rough journey. It’s been a rollercoaster to get to where we are, but we are here. 

“So, I feel like I’m the motivation to all my rivals. I’m working hard. I’m doing what I’ve got to. I’m focused on my own journey, and I’m not worried about them. 

“I’m locked in on Ellis Zorro and I’m expecting a solid version of him. He’s going to have to pick it up when he faces me. So, I’m pumped. I’m ready. I’ve earned my spot here – it didn’t happen by accident. And we just go out and we do what we do.

“We’re just getting started on this journey. We’ve got so much more to achieve in this in this game and we’re flying the Australian and Samoan flags very proudly. I’m honoured to be part of this card and a part of boxing history.”

The ‘Day of Reckoning’ comes after the ‘Battle of the Baddest’, which was held on October 28 during the opening of Riyadh Season 2023, in which Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou.

Tickets for events and experiences in the zone can be reserved through the WeBook application by accessing the following link:
http://onelink.to/wbkapp

“Welcome to Wembley ahead of a huge World Title double header on Saturday night, live and exclusive on DAZN, headlined by the number one Cruiserweight in the world, Jai Opetaia, the IBF and Ring Magazine champion against Britain’s Jordan Thompson. Ellie Scotney also making her maiden defence against Laura Griffa. There’s another fantastic Cruiserweight match-up with Cheavon Clarke against Vasil Ducar, a brilliant European title clash between Katharina Thanderz and Rhiannon Dixon, and some of the best young talent on disply with Ibrahim Sulaman, George Liddard, Maiseyrose Courtney, Shannon Ryan and the debut of Jimmy Sains.”

Jai Opetaia:

“We’re ready, we deserve to be here, I have earned this spot and I am excited. I want to earn respect for my team and my country, I’m ready.

“It was a long recovery and a few things didn’t go to plan getting back in the ring, but we’re here now. We’ve grown outside the ring and inside the ring, I am just ready to show it on Saturday night.

“We adapt as well, to all different styles. I’ve been boxing my whole life, I’ve earned this, it didn’t happen by accident. So Saturday night, we do it again. 

“I want to collect all the Cruiserweight titles. I’m winning this fight, however it happens, it happens.”

Jordan Thompson:

“There was not really any time to plan for this, we’ve had to improvise, but I am some that firmly believes in myself and my potential, I know where it comes from and I am excited to go out there and prove to the world and to myself that I’ve got what it takes to become a World Champion. This is just another chapter to the story, another stepping stone, and we’re going to show everyone.

“Tony Sims doesn’t say anything unless he means it, Tony will tell you about the graft I have been putting in and the sacrifices I’ve been making, the changes I’ve made. I am someone that every time I walk in the gym, I leave it as an improved version of myself, I am like a sponge. The work ethic in the Matchroom gym is second to none. I’m so excited to be sharing a card with Maisey, George and Jimmy, and they will say the same, and it’s going to show on Saturday night.

“I am a very adaptable fighter, I’ve shown that in my fights. There are various styles I can incorporate in the ring, various ways I can win the fight, and we’ve prepared for whatever, we’re ready for whatever and we’re willing to do whatever it takes when it comes to it.

“There is absolutely no doubt about it, I know I have been highly blessed and I can’t wait to go out there and claim what’s mine on Saturday night. We all know boxing and what it takes to become a World champion, I am going to take the belts off him and I am going to do it by knockout. 

Ellie Scotney:

“Something that I have lacked in my career is momentum, so to get a quick turnaround is going to be key, and I will show that. I am a completely different fighter from the one that boxed in June, I’ll stick to my boxing when I need to, but if it comes to biting down that’s always a place I am willing to go.

“All eyes are on Saturday night first, I know what she’s going to bring and I am fully prepared. I am hunted, but I hunting myself and you’ll see that on Saturday night. 

“I’m getting closer to you on the table so something is going right. The Lynn AC is a special place, I have to thank you for what you have done. The doors are reopening tonight and I know that there will be many young females and males that will go there and one day could be sitting where I am or even right next to you. I am thankful for the opportunities and I am going to keep pushing for more doors to open.”

Laura Soledad Griffa:

“Thank you very much for this great opportunity, this is something that we really enjoy experiencing. I feel that I am really well prepared to show everything that I’ve been working on with my team.

“It’s going to be a great fight, and if Ellie wants a war, we’re going to have one.”

Cheavon Clarke:

“It’s going to be a fun fight, we’re moving fast but no faster than I told you we were going to, if you remember the day I came in with the Dobermans! We already told you what was going to happen and we’re now here. Vasil is a good opponent, he’s come over here and caused problems for a few fighters, but I am Cheavon Clarke.

“The pedigree and being on the Olympic team has helped, but this is my style, it’s what I do, I don’t change because I am fighting someone else. This is what I bring and it will take me all the way. 

“You want to see what is happening in the main event as they are in my weight class, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday and take it from there.”

Vasil Ducar:

“I like coming to the UK every time and showing great fights. I hope to be better on Saturday night because I work hard every day with my heart and soul to give my best in the ring. This time, I will have a photo with you (Eddie Hearn) and the belt.”

Rhiannon Dixon:

“It’s a big step up from my last fight but one me and my team are ready for. I’m just excited, we’ve been waiting a long time for this fight.

“Styles make fight and I believe Katharina will bring out the best in me. This fight opens up so many opportunities, so we will do the job on Saturday and move on from there.”

Katharina Thanderz:

“We have been training really hard and I am really excited for a new title fight. I can’t wait for Saturday.

“I saw her live in Bilboa and I remember saying that she had a great style, very technical and that’s what I like about this fight, it’s going to be difficult but I am looking forward to it.”

Shannon Ryan:

“It feels great to be back. My last fight was an amazing performance, punch-perfect. There are things I could have done better but I have watched it back so many times and I am happy with it. This is an eight-rounder with a southpaw, another challenge and I am ready for it. 

“It’s exciting – a ten rounder after this one which is good, and I will continue to show why I will be leading the Super-Flyweight division, I’m too fast, too sharp, too strong and too smart.”

George Liddard:

“I massively appreciate the opportunity to be on such a big card again. I had a great learning fight last time at The O2, I got the win and six tough rounds in the bank, so we move on to 5-0 on Saturday night and I then look forward to watching Jordan win the IBF and Ring Magazine belts with Maisey and Jimmy.

“I’m always in exciting fights and that’s how I plan to go on. Peter Kramer is a tough guys, he tucks up well and he is  defensively sound, but when I get in there it’s a different game; I’m explosive and fast, and there is not much I haven’t got now. I’m looking forward to continuing to step up the levels and be in more exciting fights.”

Maiseyrose Courtney:

“It’s a good fight for me on Saturday, it’s another step up from my last fight. Martina has won a European title so it’s a good step up and it’s great to be on a card with all my stablemates in Jimmy, George and Jordan who will become World Champion on Saturday.

“If you let me Eddie, I’ll fight 12 three minute rounds, I’m ready to move onwards and upwards to eight and ten rounds. The training we do with Tony means we’re fit enough to do 15 x 3, that’s the blueprint and hopefully it’s my last six rounder.”

Jimmy Sains:

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve been in the Matchroom gym for three years now and I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do. I’m hoping everyone from Repton and Essex can come down and support us. 

“We’re very fortunate to all be on the same card on Saturday, training hard in camp together and we’ve all seen how hard we’ve worked for this, and we hope Jordan can do the job and become World Champion.”

Limited remaining tickets are available from Stage Front. 

Jai Opetaia and Jordan Thompson shared an intense face off during today’s Media Workout at the Kensington Boxing Club in London as the pair met in person for the first time ahead of their huge showdown for the IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles at the OVO Arena Wembley this Saturday September 30, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The undefeated pair headline a huge World Title double-header this weekend that also sees undefeated IBF Super-Bantamweight World Champion Ellie Scotney put her World Title on the line against Argentina’s Laura Soledad Griffa, while rising Cruiserweight contender Cheavon Clarke meets former Thompson opponent Vasil Ducer for the IBF International Title. 

Australia’s Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.

Manchester’s Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs), trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Brentwood, Essex, heads into his first shot at world honours on the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena back in April.

“I’m feeling good man;” said Opetaia. “Almost there. The hard work is done and we’re ready to go to war. He’s tall, that’s his main strength. I feel like that’s his only strength. He generates a bit of power with that range but I’ve been here before. I live this sport, I live and breathe it every day. 

“Breidis is old news. This is the new goal. I’ve got a new goal now. September 30, that is it. I’m going to war, man. I’ve trained so hard, I’ve prepared so fucking well. We’re ready for anything. It’s hard to go off his past fights because he really hasn’t fought anyone. He’s never been tested so we don’t know what he’s like in deep waters but we’ll find out September 30.”

“I don’t really focus on what my opponent is doing too much,” said challenger Thompson. “We’ve done our homework, Tony has done his homework, we know what to expect on fight night. I’m not one to waste my energy, I like to preserve my energy. The only night that matters is Saturday night, fight night. That’s when it matters, that’s when the switch should be flicked. And believe me you, the switch is there to be flicked. 

“I haven’t got to lock in until fight night. All of this is important, it’s part of it, the PR and stuff, engaging with the fans. You’ve got to put on a show and play the game, but at the same time the only time you’ll see me switch up is on that fight night. I realise that I have to keep a cool head with all that is on the line. People have said that I don’t have anything to lose, but I don’t think that’s the case – I have everything to lose in this fight.

“I’m going in there with that winning mindset, I’m a winner at the end of the day. I’m a born winner. I’m a born champion. When you believe in your potential like I do, it’s all about going out there and executing it and being calm under the pressure, being calm under the under the lights. Being calm and having a calm mind is the greatest weapon against any sort of opportunity or challenge put before you.

“A lot of people are saying this is a big step up for me. Honestly and truthfully, I flip that script right back on him. I believe this is a big step up for him too. Mairis Breidis, world class operator, but I believe he was past his better years. He did his job though, he went out there and got the win, he did what he had to do. I believe I’m a step up for him, he ain’t ever fought nobody like Jordan Thompson. That I can assure you.”

Opetaia vs. Thompson headlines a huge night of action in Wembley, dangerous Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) gets his first title shot – taking on former Chris Billam-Smith and Jordan Thompson opponent Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Title, Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) meets Norway’s World Title challenger Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown, Catford’s 122lbs queen Ellie Scotney (7-0) puts her IBF World Title on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa (20-8, 1 KO), Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) have quick turnarounds after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London last month, Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) fights for the sixth time as a pro, Birmingham Lightweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (1-0, 1 KO) looks to go 2-0 and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.

Limited remaining tickets are available from Stage Front. 

Jai Opetaia will make the first defence of his IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles against Jordan Thompson on a huge night of World Championship boxing at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30 that also sees IBF Super-Bantamweight ruler Ellie Scotney make the maiden defence of her World Title against Laura Soledad Griffa, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland, Australia in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.

The 28-year-old extended his unbeaten slate to 22 fights in the paid ranks on that famous night, landing World Title honours at the first attempt in a professional career that began in August 2015 after the imposing southpaw said goodbye to a glittering amateur stint that yielded gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and saw him become the youngest ever Australian Olympian fighter when he represented his country in at the 2012 Games in London.

He returns to London next month, putting his red and gold hardware on the line against Manchester’s undefeated contender Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs), who heads into his first shot at world honours on the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena back in Cardiff.

The 6′ 7″ powerhouse, who is trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Essex, has won all five of his fights under the Matchroom Boxing banner since putting pen to paper on a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in June 2021, picking up the IBF European Title but outpointing Vasil Ducar at the Sheffield Arena in August 2022.

Catford’s 122lbs queen Scotney (7-0) returns to the arena where she was crowned IBF World Champion in June, comfortably outpointing Australia’s former champion Cherneka Johnson on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ shutout points win over Andres Campos.

Argentina’s Griffa (20-8, 1 KO) gets her second shot at the IBF Super-Bantamweight after falling short in her challenge against Marcela Eliana Acuna in August 2018. ‘La Joya’, who fights out of Pehuajo in Buenos Aires, has also challenged for the IBO Super-Bantamweight and Featherweight Titles and has won both of her fights in 2023.

Dangerous Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) gets his first title shot – taking on former Chris Billam-Smith and Jordan Thompson opponent Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Title and Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) meets Norway’s World Title challenger Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown.  

Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) have a quick turnaround after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London earlier this month, Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) fights for the sixth time as a pro and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.

“I have been waiting too long for someone to challenge me and now we finally have a fight,” said Opetaia. “Thank you Jordan for stepping up but I hope you are ready!”

“Opetaia is the recognised number one in the division and the best guy out there and that’s why he’s the one I want,” said Thompson. “This is my time now and the world will see that on September 30th. I ain’t never been one to just take part, I’m a winner, I’m going to win.

“Winning a World Title is every fighter’s dream but now I want more,” said Scotney. “I want to prove myself the best Super-Bantamweight in the world, but a true champion also has to be willing to defend her title. I wanted to stay active and getting to defend the belt in the same venue I was crowned World Champion gives me the ideal opportunity to show that there are levels to this sport On September 30 I will show just that.”

“I am very excited to be fighting for the World Title for a second time,” said Griffa. “Ellie Scotney is a very good and skilful boxer, but she doesn’t have the heart and toughness that I do. I am a true warrior and will bring war to London September. I will break her down bring the World Title back home to Argentina.”

“A huge World Title double-header at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 30 topped by IBF Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia defending his crown against Manchester’s Jordan Thompson and Catford’s Ellie Scotney putting her IBF Super-Bantamweight crown on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the Cruiserweight division. Jordan is showing huge courage by bypassing the domestic scene and jumping in with the best in his division for a shot at glory – he should get massive credit for grabbing this opportunity with both hands when others have avoided it. 

“Ellie has plans on unifying the Super-Bantamweight division and becoming a multi-weight World Champion but first she must get her first World Title defence under her belt. There’s plenty more title action on the undercard as Cruiserweight powerhouse Chev Clarke goes for the IBF International Title against the tricky Vasil Ducar and Anthony Crolla’s charge Rhiannon Dixon meets former Terri Harper opponent Katherina Thanderz for the EBU European Lightweight Title. Watch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“It’s great to have Jai debut on DAZN on September 30 in London,” said Alfie Sharman VP, DAZN. “Jai is one of the best in the division and with Jordan being tipped for a big future in the sport, this is going to be a cracker. Watch it live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Ticket information will be announced soon. 

Tasman Fighters and Jai Opetaia have agreed to work with Matchroom as part of a global promotional partnership.
 
Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland, Australia in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.
 
The 28 year old extended his unbeaten slate to 22 fights in the paid ranks on that famous night, landing World title honors at the first attempt in a professional career that began in August 2015 after the imposing southpaw said goodbye to a glittering amateur stint that yielded gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and saw him become the youngest ever Australian Olympian fighter when he represented his country in at the 2012 Games in London.
 
Opetaia is determined to make more history with the goal of unifying the Cruiserweight division, and the IBF and Ring king is itching to get back into the ring and turn those dreams into reality with Matchroom.
 
“This is something that Tasman Fighters and myself have always worked towards and now I just want to start taking these big fights and unify all the titles,” said Opetaia.
 
Penning a deal with Opetaia sees another Australian star added to Hearn’s blossoming stable Down Under, with the world’s leading Cruiserweight joining the likes of Liam Paro, Stevie Spark, Ebanie Bridges and Skye Nicolson, and Hearn is excited to be able to plot big events in Australia following a successful first outing in Queensland in October – and with Matchroom joining forces with Tasman Fighters on Opetaia, fighters and fight fans alike in Australia are the big winners in the deal, with huge nights on the horizon.
 
“I am thrilled to welcome Jai to the Matchroom Boxing Team and delighted to be working closely once again with Tasman Fighters,” said Hearn. “Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the Cruiserweight division. There is no doubt that he can collect all the belts to become undisputed ruler and not just become a superstar at home, but all over the world.
 
“Australian boxing continues to rise and Matchroom want to be a major part of that growth, and with Jai joining our other Aussie stars, we look to returning there soon.”
 
“The deal Tasman Fighters has struck with Matchroom is a massive opportunity for Jai Opetaia to move forward in his career on a global scale, it also opens the door for all of our contracted fighters and Australian boxing in general,” said Mick Francis, Company Director of Tasman Fighters. “Pathways for our athletes is something we consider is the key to developing boxing in this part of the world and with Matchroom it is finally a reality. We are looking forward to the future.”
 

(June 30, 2022) — Two world-class boxing events will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ this Saturday, July 2.
 
The action kicks off Down Under in the early morning hours (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT), as IBF cruiserweight world champion Mairis Breidis defends his title against undefeated contender Jai Opetaia at Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.
 
The action continues from the OVO Arena Wembley in London (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT), as undefeated heavyweight contender and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce defends his WBC Silver and WBO International belts in the 12-round main event against Christian Hammer.
 
Breidis (28-1, 20 KOs), a native of Riga, Latvia, has won five bouts since losing a razor-thin decision to Oleksandr Usyk in January 2018. The 37-year-old puncher won the IBF belt in September 2020 with a majority decision over Yuniel Dorticos, then defended it last October in Riga with a third-round TKO over Artur Mann. Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs), a 2012 Australian Olympian from Sydney, has fought most of his career in Australia. The 26-year-old has knocked out his last three foes and is taking a major step up against Breidis.

In other streaming action from Australia:
 
Isaac Hardman (12-1, 10 KOs) vs. Beau Hartas (6-1, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight
 
Dana Coolwell (7-2, 5 KOs) vs. Lorenz Ladrada (11-2-1, 3 KOs), 8 rounds, featherweight
 
Taylah Robertson (5-1, 1 KO) vs. Yoselin Fernandez (11-1, 5 KOs), 10 rounds, junior bantamweight
 
Faris Chevalier (13-1, 7 KOs) vs. Conor Wallace (8-1, 6 KOs), 10 rounds, light heavyweight
 
Joel Camilleri (22-7-1, 10 KOs) vs. Koen Mazoudier (9-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, junior middleweight

Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, has taken the express route to contention since turning pro in October 2017. He knocked out former world champion Bermane Stiverne in his eighth pro fight and won a points verdict over former title challenger Bryant Jennings in his 10^th outing. He came from behind to stop then-unbeaten prospect Daniel Dubois in November 2020. Last July, he knocked out longtime contender Carlos Takam in six rounds. Hammer (27-9, 17 KOs) is a 14-year pro who has fought the likes of Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Alexander Povetkin, and Tony Yoka, Joyce’s Olympic nemesis.

                                     In other streaming action from London:                                                                      
 
Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) vs. Nizar Trimech (9-3-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight
 
Jason Cunningham (31-6, 7 KOs) vs. Zolani Tete (29-4, 22 KOs), 12 rounds,
Cunningham’s Commonwealth and IBF International junior featherweight titles
 
Callum Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) vs. Igor Mikhalkin (24-3, 11 KOs), 12 rounds,
Johnson’s WBO Global and vacant WBC Silver light heavyweight titles
 
Mark Chamberlain (10-0, 7 KOs) vs. Marc Vidal (13-2-5, 5 KOs), 10 rounds,
vacant IBF European lightweight title.

 
About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.3 million subscribers. 
?? 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com, or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost.