IBF withdraws recognition for Jai Opetaia vs Brandon Glanton world title bout

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has withdrawn recognition for the IBF cruiserweight world title bout between Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton scheduled for March 8 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, United States.

As a result, the Opetaia vs Glanton match promoted by Zuffa Boxing will take place without official recognition from the IBF. If Opetaia goes ahead with the bout, his IBF cruiserweight world title will be declared vacant.

‘If a champion participates in a contest that is not sanctioned within the specified weight limits, the title will be declared vacant irrespective of whether the champion wins or loses the bout,’ the IBF said in an official statement quoted in Jakarta on Saturday.

At a press conference in Las Vegas, Opetaia previously stated that his belt and Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural cruiserweight title would be at stake in what he called a unification bout.

However, Zuffa Boxing is not a sanctioning body recognised by the IBF and is not within the same regulatory framework as the organisation.

The IBF explained that a non-sanctioned contest is not officially approved by the organisation.

Therefore, if Opetaia proceeds with the bout against Glanton, he will lose the IBF title for a second time.

Opetaia signed a contract with Zuffa Boxing in January 2026 with the aim of pursuing undisputed status while also seeking to secure the promoter’s inaugural title.

In a statement to ESPN, Opetaia said his goal is to become the undisputed world champion before turning his attention to his personal life.

‘This is about becoming the undisputed champion. If we are not here to become the undisputed champions in this sport, then what are we doing?’ he said.

Opetaia is an undefeated boxer with a record of 29 wins (23 KOs). The left-handed 30-year-old from Australia captured the IBF cruiserweight world title in 2022 and has since been one of the division’s leading names.