RINGSIDE
Unheralded Italian Claudio Squeo was criticized as an opponent.
again to determine if he keeps the championship based on the opponent’s Ring ranking.
leaving the division), and other times upholding it against popular opinion as we did when Sunny Edwards fought Bam Rodriguez (who was No. 4 in our flyweight rankings at the time; Sunny was No. 1).” Gray shared his opinion and included background on Opetaia’s situation: “Here’s my take on why Jai Opetaia shouldn’t be stripped: “Opetaia has been champion for just short of four years. The double fracture to his jaw took out over a year of that time. “In 2023, Opetaia was due to fight (then-ranked) Richard Riakporhe, who gave up his mandatory spot and bailed on negotiations at the 11th hour (of a scheduled IBF purse bid). “In 2024, Opetaia fought a rematch with Briedis. While Briedis had been out of action due to injury and subsequently removed from the ratings, this was still a big fight for the division. “Also in 2024, Chris Billam-Smith admitted to BoxingScene that he had turned down the Opetaia fight. “In 2025, it was reported that Zurdo Ramirez asked for $8 million to fight Opetaia. That wasn’t going to happen. “And how often do you hear anyone deny the above? It just goes radio silent. Opetaia, for me, is in a similar position to Guillermo Rigondeaux years ago. The Cuban was also avoided, but his activity suffered as a result. While Opetaia has been unable to secure the fights he wants, he’s stayed active and remains in pursuit. I don’t know what more the guy or his team could have done. “I am firmly against him being stripped, but that’s just my take.” That was also the take of eight out of the 12 panelists who contributed to the discussion. The panel’s resolution is for Opetaia to keep the Ring belt until his next challenger is announced, at which time we will meet
Near the end of the discussion, Wainwright changed his opinion: “I can see it both ways, but as we don’t have to follow a strict guideline and can judge on its own merit, it is clear Opetaia wants to fight the best, and my feeling is he should remain as champion. However, he has to face a top contender next time out.” Added panelist Droeks Malan: “I would be inclined to inform the Opetaia camp that the next fight needs to be against a top-fiver. If the next fight is announced and the opponent does not fit the criteria or an inordinate amount of time goes by (let’s say another two months without anything announced), then strip him.” Added panelist Chris McKenna: “May is the two-year anniversary of the Briedis [rematch]. That should be the point. He signed with Zuffa, who everyone knows is trying to set up a UBO, which will lock him away from contenders unless someone like [Chris Billam-Smith] also switches over to them. On him if he can’t find a top-five contender.” Harsh words from McKenna, but boxing is a harsh sport and a harsher business. However, Zuffa Boxing is serious about signing worthy challengers for Opetaia. On April 13, the aforementioned Billam- Smith – currently No. 2 in The Ring’s cruiserweight rankings – signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing. On April 16, Ryan Rozicki, No. 5 in the rankings, also signed with Zuffa. Hopefully, one of them fights Opetaia next. If not, he could lose his Ring belt. If that happens, the best cruiserweight on the planet will only hold one physical title – the newly created Zuffa belt. That will make White happy. But is this what the White/Zuffa Boxing detractors wanted?
14 RINGMAGAZINE.COM
RINGMAGAZINE.COM 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker