Oscar De La Hoya has spoken out about the drama between Zuffa Boxing and the IBF, which unfortunately included Jai Opetaia, and made some solemn accusations against Dana White.

Opetaia looked set to defend his IBF cruiserweight world title in his debut with the modern organization against Brandon Glanton, but the sanctioning body withdrew its support just two days before fight night, citing Zuffa’s inaugural belt and its legality as a key factor.

The decision – which has since been debated again – left Opetaia gutted and his straight points win reaffirmed its aim to achieve an unchallenged position through the conventional four sanctioning bodies.

Zuffa’s De La Hoya and Dana White have had long-standing issues, and their media coverage shows no signs of abating. So this is hardly surprising Hall of Fame fighter and promoter Golden Boy had something to say on social media about this latest drama.

“So Jai Opetaia fought over the weekend for what he thought was the IBF title… only to find out at the press conference that he had been lied to by none other than Uncle Fucking Fester and Zuffa.

“So let me explain. We all know that the Zuffa belt is like a participation trophy given to a nine-year-old at the end of a soccer match. It has the meaning of a hemorrhoid on my fucking ass. And that’s all they agreed was enough for the IBF to take on Opetaia, until last week at the press conference when Fester and his friends surprised everyone and announced the Zuffa belt as the world champion belt.”

These motherfuckers broke the fifth rule of the IBF. Then the sanction was withdrawn. Zuffa has no intention of following IBF rules and used this scam to humiliate them. So [the IBF] he said “fuck it” and they backed off. Zuffa was lying to everyone this whole time and destitute Jai Opetaia suffered because of it.

White has hinted at legal action over the IBF’s decision and there are early reports suggesting a lawsuit may have already begun, although no word has been received from Opetai himself or his close representatives.

The experienced trainer didn’t discount Opetai’s ability, but suggested the undefeated cruiserweight has some growth left before he faces some of the most established fighters in the division.

“Opetaia, I think he gets hurt in every fight he fights,” Benavidez Sr. said to Sean Zittel. “He gets injured fighting unknown fighters. I think he needs a little more experience.”

IBF champion Opetaia is viewed by fans as a top contender in the gaunt cruiserweight division. His two victories over former champion Mairis Briedis, who was already over 30 years aged, remain the most significant victories in his history.

Still, Benavidez Sr. believes other champions pose more stern challenges at the moment.

“I think Beterbiev, Bivol and Ramirez are more risky than Opetaia,” Jose senior said. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fighter. He’ll be a great fighter. But right now he doesn’t have the experience that David has.”

Benavidez Sr. also pointed to Ramirez as his closest focus, given the Mexican player’s experience and position in the sport. Gilberto already held the super middleweight title before moving up in weight and becoming the cruiserweight champion again.

Benavidez is expected to challenge Zurdo in a cruiserweight fight, which his father sees as a prime opportunity to prove that his son can successfully compete at lithe heavyweight. Jose Sr. expects his son to look impressive in this fight.

“That’s the plan,” Benavidez Sr. said when asked about the possibility of winning after the stoppage. “I think he’ll keep it ninth or tenth. David can’t just win the fight. He has to look spectacular to be in the bigger fights.”

While Opetaia remains a potential future opponent, depending on the development of the cruiserweight division, Benavidez Sr suggested the Australian champion needs even more time and experience before being considered the most risky challenge available to his son.

Keyshawn Davis is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing fighters in boxing, and it’s not just the fans who have impressed him.

The 27-year-old from Norfolk, Virginia has 14 fights in his professional career and remains undefeated. He briefly held the WBO lightweight title after defeating Denys Berinchyk, but lost the belt at weight before his first defense was canceled. With some issues outside the ring sorted out and his weight boost, it’s demanding to imagine anything or anyone stopping his growth any time soon.

While Keyshawn’s athleticism and boxing IQ are evident, he also gained fans for completing clinical events. One man who can prove his strength is rising heavyweight contender Richard Torrez Jr.

Both Torrez and Davis won silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – which were held in 2021 due to the COVID19 pandemic – and were snapped up by Top Rank shortly thereafter to begin their professional campaigns.

Interview with Fight Hub TVTorrez thought back to his Team USA days and remembered sparring with “The Businessman.”

“I sparred with Keyshawn Davis. I tell you what, I go demanding on Keyshawn, man, because Keyshawn is tough.

“People say, ‘Oh, Richard, why do you work so demanding in the lighter weight classes?’ Keyshawn punches like a heavyweight, man. I don’t take him lightly… When we sparred among the amateurs, we cracked up. I’ll get back to you. Just because I’m a heavyweight doesn’t mean anything, you’re at the level of a world champion, we’ll spar.”

Davis became the first man to stop the crafty and persistent Jamaine Ortiz in January. That was his debut at 140 pounds, but he has since confirmed that he will likely move straight up to 147 pounds for his next fight, focusing on fighters like Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. According to Torrez, his power will work well.

As for the heavyweight contender, his IBF final elimination against Frank Sanchez was recently postponed due to the Cuban’s injury. Torrez will want to reschedule the fight as soon as possible, especially since the belt currently held by Oleksandr Usyk may become vacant soon.