A fresh twist has been revealed in the story of Jai Opetai and the IBF cruiserweight title.

Last week it was reported that Opetaia was to be stripped of his IBF belt after the opening bell of his planned fight with Brandon Glanton on Sunday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, due to the fact that the fight was also for Zuffa’s inaugural belt.

Nevertheless, Opetaia continued his fight and declared a unanimous decision victory over Glanton extend their undefeated record to 30-0.

After the fight, Opetaia once again shared his desire to become undisputed in the cruiserweight division, and it appears he has been given the opportunity to do just that as – announced the IBF in a statement that they have not yet made a final decision to strip him of the title.

“Jai Opetaia made comments during the post-fight press conference that led the organization’s leadership to question whether his advisors fully and fully made him aware of the decisions he had to make in deciding to fight Brandon Glanton. The organization intends to take a closer look at this matter.”

The statement also included a mighty response to claims that they had decided not to sanction the fight due to feelings of “disrespect” in the run-up to the fight.

“The IBF categorically denies any suggestion or claim that it deliberately withdrew sanctions to cause harm. The IBF sanctioned the Opetaia vs. Glanton fight in good faith, expecting what was assured to happen.”

“The press conference held on March 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, made it clear that the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship would be held on March 8.

“The IBF, as previously stated on March 6, reserves the right to sanction title fights along with other sanctioning bodies that adhere to the same regulations that the IBF follows, and reserves the right to sanction title fights along with other fights that prepare the IBF cruiserweight title remains a subject of discussion.”

The final outcome as to whether Opetaia will indeed retain her title will be revealed in due course.

“It’s analyzing how the system works on this side of the wall, in the States, and then it will make its own move,” Nelson told iFL TV. “He only wants one belt.”

Turki Alalshikh has already become one of boxing’s most influential financial sponsors thanks to his involvement in major events. The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has helped finance several high-profile fights by working with promoters across the sport.

Nelson believes this approach could ultimately influence how the championship is organized.

For decades, boxing titles were distributed among several sanctioning bodies, with each group recognizing its own champion in the same weight class. The result is multiple belts in one category and constant debate about who is actually at the top.

Nelson indicated that Turki’s long-term interest may include simplifying this structure.

“He’s just sorting out all his ducks,” Nelson said. “He understands how everyone works.”

Turki has already shown a willingness to work with various promoters and networks in supporting major fight cards in Saudi Arabia. His involvement has helped unite fighters and promoters who often operate in separate business paths.

These partnerships included collaborations with competing promoters and broadcasters that had historically operated separately. The Saudi-backed substantial cards also attracted fighters from several promotional groups to the same event.

Nelson sees the current period as preparation for a bigger game.

Another question is whether a single-lane system could ever be implemented. The four main sanctioning bodies would continue to exist and their titles would continue to be recognized unless broadcasters chose to ignore them.

This kind of change would likely require networks like DAZN to focus exclusively on events built around the Ring Belt. For now, such a scenario seems arduous to imagine.

Turki has already become one of the main financial figures of sport. Turki has the resources to influence boxing, but turning a four-belt sport into a one-belt system would be a completely different fight.

Derek Chisora ​​has shared his opinion on Conor Benn leaving Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and joining Dana White’s Zuffa promotion.

When it was announced last month, it was a huge shock Benn has parted ways with longtime promoter Hearn to join forces with the modern upstart company Zuffa, headed by UFC boss White.

Benn spent his entire career at Matchroom up to 2016, going through many ups and downs during that decade, including the infamous failed drug tests and two epic fights with Chris Eubank Jr last year.

He returns to action when he faces Regis Prograis in a 150 catchweight bout on April 11 at Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, for which he will reportedly receive a purse worth $15 million.

It is because of this number that heavyweight contender Chisora ​​has no objection to Benn leaving Hearn. saying Playbook Boxing that his compatriot did the right thing.

“We both know the saying: If you want to be steadfast, you buy what? A dog. I’m not steadfast. No one is steadfast when someone comes along and says, ‘You know what?’ I will give you this much money. Come with me.”

“Let’s not try to tell ourselves that what this teenage man did was so bad. He made a good deal. If he turns it down, you’ll think, ‘Oh, you’re fools. Why did you turn it down? Oh, you’re steadfast to Eddie.’ No, fuck it, man.

Chisora ​​must prepare for his own fight next month when he faces former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder at the O2 Arena on April 4.