IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has outlined a definitive roadmap to becoming the undisputed king of the 200-pound division, identifying David Benavidez as one of the final obstacles in his path. Speaking to talkSPORT on May 22, 2026, the unbeaten Australian confirmed that his immediate priority is securing the WBC title before challenging David Benavidez for the remaining major belts. This declaration follows a period of heightened speculation regarding Jai Opetaia’s future and his recent signing with Zuffa Boxing, the combat sports venture led by Dana White.
The 30-year-old champion currently holds an unblemished record of 29-0 with 23 knockouts. He recently defended his Ring Magazine title and the Zuffa Cruiserweight belt on March 8, 2026, at the Meta Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada. Jai Opetaia secured a unanimous decision victory over American Brandon Glanton in that contest, a result that further cemented his standing as arguably the most dominant force in the weight class. But the Australian insists he is not finished with the division until every major world title sits in his trophy cabinet.
Jai Opetaia’s plan involves a two-step process to unify the division. First, he expects to face Noel Mikaelian for the WBC cruiserweight world title. Following that, he has his sights set on David Benavidez, who currently holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. David Benavidez, also the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion, has become a primary target for Jai Opetaia as the Australian seeks to consolidate the WBO, WBA, and WBC honors to achieve undisputed status. The rivalry is already heating up, with Jai Opetaia issuing a “chilling warning” to the American, stating the “cruiserweight belongs to me.”
Jai Opetaia prioritises cruiserweight unification over heavyweight move
Despite his name being frequently linked to a future clash with heavyweight stars like Oleksandr Usyk, Jai Opetaia is adamant that he will not rush into the sports’ heaviest division. He told talkSPORT that he is on his “own journey” and intends to walk at his “own pace.” The Australian noted that even a master of the craft like Oleksandr Usyk took his time building a legacy at cruiserweight before moving up. This patient approach mirrors how Shane Mosley Jr. employs disciplined jab strategy to manage high-stakes bouts, showing that tactical restraint is often as important as aggression.
The Australian champion’s recent move to Zuffa Boxing has drawn both praise and skepticism. Jai Opetaia dismissed critics of his new promotional home, stating that the organization agreed to the fast-paced schedule he demanded. “If you ain’t part of Zuffa, bro, you’re missing out,” he said, highlighting that the promotional backing is essential to getting “big noise” fights over the line. Successful negotiations will be necessary to bridge the gap between Zuffa and David Benavidez’s ties to PBC and Amazon Prime.
While the heavyweight division remains a long-term goal, Jai Opetaia is focused on the next 12 to 18 months at 200 pounds. He admitted that while he would respect and fight Oleksandr Usyk if the opportunity arose, such a bout seems unrealistic in the current climate given the Ukrainian’s standing. For now, Jai Opetaia’s focus remains purely on the cruiserweight ranks. This single-minded focus is similar to how Richard Torrez Jr. anticipates Sanchez bout will test his specific skill set rather than looking too far toward the horizon.
Challenging the WBA and WBO champion David Benavidez
The potential unification between Jai Opetaia and David Benavidez is regarded as one of the most significant matchups in modern boxing. David Benavidez recently moved up to cruiserweight and captured the WBA and WBO gold, and Jai Opetaia has been watching his progress closely. Commenting on David Benavidez’s win over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, Jai Opetaia suggested that Ramirez “made him look a lot better” than he actually was, signaling that he sees exploitable gaps in the “Mexican Monster’s” game.
Achieving undisputed status requires a fighter to navigate a minefield of mandatories and promotional hurdles. Jai Opetaia acknowledged that the process likely won’t be simple and he may have to “zigzag” to reach his destination. He remains prepared for war, having already begun psychological maneuvering by declaring that the winner of the Ramirez-Benavidez bout was always the “main fight” he was chasing. The clash between these two undefeated champions would likely headline a major international card, potentially involving Saudi Arabian interests.
If Jai Opetaia succeeds in his mission to sweep the titles held by Noel Mikaelian and David Benavidez, he will leave the division with zero questions left to answer. Until then, he is content to remain at 200 pounds and solidify his status as the rightful heir to the undisputed crown. Those looking for updates on future heavyweight rivalries may find interest in how Oleksandr Usyk’s latest remarks fuel Fury feud, but for Jai Opetaia, the path to greatness first runs through the cruiserweight elite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jai Opetaia planning to fight next?
Jai Opetaia has stated that his ideal path involves fighting Noel Mikaelian for the WBC cruiserweight title as his next outing. Following that, he intends to challenge David Benavidez for the WBA and WBO titles to become the undisputed champion.
When was Jai Opetaia’s last fight and where did it take place?
Jai Opetaia last fought on March 8, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. He defeated American Brandon Glanton via a unanimous decision to retain his Ring Magazine title and the Zuffa Cruiserweight championship.
Does David Benavidez currently hold cruiserweight titles?
Yes, David Benavidez is the WBA and WBO Cruiserweight Champion. He also holds the title of Interim WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion, making him a multi-division champion and the primary target for Jai Opetaia’s unification plans.
