Opetaia homecoming confirmed for January world title defence

[ad_1] 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 struggle will probably be for Opetaia's IBF Cruiserweight championship and Ring Journal Cruiserweight championship.

Will probably be Opetaia's first struggle 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 of by many because the world's finest 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 needs to spoil the social gathering.

"I've waited for this struggle for a very long time, nothing can cease me," the challenger stated on Friday.

After constructing his repute 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 risk.

"I've received 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 will be hungry to return right here and get his arms on my belts. It isn't 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).

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