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Former IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has filed a lawsuit against the boxing organization, seeking to reclaim his title.
According to information from Darshan Desai of "Uncrowned," Opetaia alleges a conspiracy against him involving the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO), his former promoter Eddie Hearn, and others. The alleged conspiracy aimed to punish him for signing with Zuffa Boxing.
The IBF stripped Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) of his title before his Zuffa debut in March. The organization deemed his bout against Brandon Glanton for the Zuffa title an unsanctioned unification match. Opetaia defeated Glanton by unanimous decision and had planned to face WBC champion Noel Mikaelian. However, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman instead ordered a three-belt unification bout between Mikaelian and David Benavidez. Opetaia claims this is evidence of a punitive conspiracy.
Desai reports that Opetaia "is seeking reinstatement as the IBF cruiserweight champion, monetary damages, coverage of attorney's fees and court costs, and an injunction to prevent the organization from sanctioning a new champion while the case is pending." The boxer claims that "evidence supporting this conspiracy exists in group text messages and WhatsApp conversations."
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