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Jai Opetaia says his ongoing attempts to unify the cruiserweight division have descended into “a circus” — while also revealing Saudi billionaire Turki Al-Sheikh recently suggested the Mexican superstar he most wants is “scared” to face him.
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Almost three years to the day since first becoming IBF cruiserweight king, Opetaia has revealed talks are now underway for a unification blockbuster against Mexico’s Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez this September – and on the same US blockbuster featuring Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, the 29-year-old quickly added however that “I’ve now heard a lot of talks, a lot of words” – which includes Ramirez and his famed promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, not wanting the fight.
Currently on an undefeated tear stretching10 years and 27 bouts, Opetaia will look to again defend both IBF and Ring gold against Italy’s Claudio Squeo (17-0) at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Sunday, June 8.
Yet what Opetaia really wants – and has for some time – is a showdown with hyped Mexican southpaw Ramirez, who himself defends the WBO and WBA straps against Yuneil Dorticus just 20 days later.
Should both men win, Opetaia confirmed his plan was then to unify the cruiserweight division on that same card featuring Alvarez and Crawford.
“And there have been talks,” he said. “Words.
“But I’ve also now heard a lot of talks, a lot of words.
“People saying this is possible, that can happen.
“But none of it matters unless I take care of business on June 8.
“So that’s what I’m locked in on.”
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Asked why the ‘Zurdo’ fight has yet to materialize, Opetaia said: “Honestly, man, I don’t have the answers.
“Wish I did, but I don’t.
“I’ve had the IBF and Ring belts for a long time now, and I’m trying to make these fights.
“But it’s been a circus.
“I see Oscar De La Hoya at all the boxing events and, every time, say ‘hey, when are we fighting? Let’s make it happen’.
“I’m always respectful about it.
“And Oscar will say ‘yeah, yeah, we’ve got to make it happen’.
“Then, crickets …”
Opetaia stressed, however, that he has no ill will towards the Mexican who has lost only one of 48 fights — a hyped 2022 showdown against Dmitry Bivol.
“I have respect for Zurdo,” he continued.
“And in no way am I going to sit here and badmouth any guy.
“Or say they’re a bad person.
“And I’m not saying he’s an easy fight, either.
“But still my message to Zurdo is this: ‘You’re not the best cruiserweight in the world until you beat me’.”
Earlier this month, Opetaia’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Fox Sports Australia that the only hurdle standing between his fighter and Ramirez – “which is money” – would be sorted by His Excellency Al-Sheik this year.
Yet when asked about his own conversations with the Saudi boxing advisor, who has taken a close interest in promoting Opetaia, the Brisbane-based puncher revealed suggestions Team Zurdo are “scared”.
“He and I are always talking,” the champ said of His Excellency.
“And there was one time where he told me, honestly, he said to me ‘they don’t want to fight you, they’re scared.
“That’s what has come out of his mouth.
“And I don’t know if I’m meant to say that, but he did tell me one time that they’re scared.
“Still, the fight has to come.
“And it will.
“I’ve been chasing this guy a long time.
“And my time will come.
“I have no doubts about that.
“So let’s f***ing make it happen.”
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Among the other stumbling blocks for Opetaia are the continual headlines involving fights between ‘Zurdo’ and a host of other potential opponents – which have included a host of big names including Alvarez, David Benavidez, a Bivol rematch, even Jake Paul.
Surprisingly, Ramirez’s upcoming title defence will take place as the co-main to Paul’s own headliner against Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.
The alliance has prompted some to question if a bout between Ramirez and the popular Youtuber-turned-boxer could be made.
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Another potential option being discussed is fellow Mexican and WBC light heavyweight superstar, Benavidez.
Speaking with The Ring last month, ‘Zurdo’ said there were a host of options for him at the back end of 2025, and hinted Benavidez, a friend, and former sparring partner, may just be his top pick.
The champ also confirmed his interest in facing Opetaia, saying: “Fighting Jai Opetaia excites me.
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“Supposedly, he’s the best cruiserweight.
“But I have two titles and I’m the best cruiserweight in the division.
“He’s a good champion but everyone is looking at him like he’s the best.
“I’m the best, and I will prove myself to everyone. That’s a fight that I want.”
Yet in the same interview he also talked up Benavidez (30-0) as potentially being next, saying: “Of course, that fight people want to see.
“He’s a great champion and pound-for-pound fighter.
“Why not if he wants it too?
“We’re friends, and I know his family.
“But if the money is right, we can make the fight happen.
“We’ve had amazing sparring sessions together that were pay-per-view worthy on its own.
“We can have a great fight against each other.
“It would be a fight of the year, like Marco Antonio Barrera versus Juan Manuel Marquez … two Mexicans just throwing down with a lot of exciting punches.”
“If he wants to move up to cruiserweight, we can make the fight happen.
“For me, I don’t have a problem fighting a Mexican.
“I can fight anyone. I’m a fighter. That’s what I do – fight.”