Five potential opponents for Jai Opetaia following devastating title fight knockout

Jai Opetaia successfully defended his IBF World Cruiserweight belt by knocking out David Nyika in a brutal fashion.

Australian fighter Opetaia proved his skill and ability as he came out the victor of a four-round fire-fight with fellow countryman Nyika.

Opetaia defeated Mairis Brieidis with a broken jaw to claim his IBF title, and he once again showed his toughness on January 8th. The champion was able to overcome a fired-up and determined Nyika to earn a highlight-reel knockout.

Now sitting at 27-0, the Australian will look to continue his good form in his next bout. In terms of who his next opponent may be, the following fighters could be viable options.

Gilberto Ramirez

The clear choice for Opetaia’s next opponent is Gilberto Ramirez. Following his win over Nyika, Opetaia called out the Ramirez in his post-fight interview. “Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts.”

The Mexican is currently the holder of both the WBO and WBA World Cruiserweight titles, making him a necessary opponent in Opetaia’s quest for an undisputed reign.

Ramirez last competed in November as he claimed the WBO World Cruiserweight title, defeating Chris Billam-Smith.

• READ MORE: Jai Opetaia has unfinished business ahead of potential unification with Gilberto Ramirez

Noel Mikaelian

Another step in the direction of undisputed glory for Opetaia would be to face Armenian Mikaelian. The 27-2 fighter is the current holder of the WBC World Cruiserweight title, having claimed the title in November of 2023.

Mikaelian withdrew from his Cruiserweight title defense in December of 2024, meaning he is over 12 months without a fight.

Despite his lack of activity, he remains a champion in the division. An interim title bout was made following Mikaelian’s withdrawal, however, Yamil Peralta and Ryan Rozicki fought to a draw. No interim title holder meant that no fighter could have been upgraded to take Mikaelian’s belt.

Oleksandr Usyk

Eddie Hearn has said that a fight between Opetaia and Oleksandr Usyk may be in the pipeline if things go the right way. The boxing promoter’s ideal scenario is that Opetaia unifies the division, and then moves up to challenge the Ukranian.

However, should Opetaia not be given an opportunity to fight for another cruiserweight title, and Usyk does not face the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker, the two may face one another.

A move to heavyweight in his next bout is unlikely for the Australian, however, Opetaia vs Usyk is one of the biggest fights that could be made in boxing’s heavier divisions.

• READ MORE: Oleksandr Usyk teases potential cruiserweight return ahead of Tyson Fury rematch

Huseyin Cinkara

If a cruiserweight title challenge or move to heavyweight is not next for Opetaia, then he may look to defend his IBF title to keep sharp.

With many fighters in the division options for challengers, Opetaia may face Huseyin Cinkara.

The German was the man supposed to standing across from Opetaia on January 8th, however, the challenger was forced to withdraw. So should the champion wish to defend his belt, rescheduling with Cinkara could be an option.

Artur Beterbiev

Artur Beterbiev will face Dmitry Bivol on February 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pair headline a stacked card in the Middle East, that also features Dubois vs Parker.

Should Beterbiev earn his second win over Bivol, a fight with Opetaia could have potential.

Speaking on the two fighters, Turki Alalshikh has said that Opetaia vs Beterbiev is a fight he would like to see.

With Opetaia and Beterbiev fighting in the cruiserweight and light heavyweight divisions respectively, a fight between the pair would likely mean the Canadian would have to move up a weight class.

Unless a catchweight compromise was reached, this would mean that Beterbiev would have to fight at a weight class 25lbs heavier than his current one.