Jai Opetaia Sues IBF Over Title Stripping Linked to Zuffa Deal

Former cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia alleges that the International Boxing Federation stripped his title as retaliation for signing a contract with Zuffa Boxing. Claiming a conspiracy, Opetaia filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court seeking damages and a reversal of the sanction.

The case could have far‑reaching implications for boxing governance and athletes’ contractual rights. Legal experts note that the outcome may set a precedent for how sanctioning bodies handle fighter agreements.