Jai Opetaia's IBF cruiserweight championship is now in serious doubt following his victory over Brandon Glanton to claim the inaugural Zuffa Boxing world cruiserweight title. The Australian defeated Glanton via unanimous decision at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday, with all three judges scoring the fight 119-106. However, the bout lacked IBF sanction, a situation the governing body now views as a critical violation.

The IBF withdrew its approval after a Friday news conference clarified that the Zuffa title would be contested, contradicting earlier assurances from Opetaia's team that it would be merely a 'trophy or token of recognition'. IBF cruiserweight belt The IBF's rules state that a champion participating in an unsanctioned contest within their weight limit automatically vacates the title, regardless of the fight's outcome. Opetaia, who signed with Zuffa in January aiming for undisputed status, won every round in his first US fight. 'I know there's been a lot of white noise, a lot of stuff on social media, but I'm just hoping it gets worked out,' Opetaia told ESPN. 'I have not lost track of it, and I never have. I've been stripped once before.

I'll get the belt back, and I'll become undisputed.' Zuffa Boxing, backed by UFC chief Dana White, staged its first event in January and aims to challenge traditional boxing's four major sanctioning bodies.