Huseyin Cinkara bows out of Jai Opetaia title challenge due to injury

Huseyin Cinkara, who had been scheduled to challenge cruiserweight titleholder and Ring champion Jai Opetaia on January 8, has withdrawn from the fight after he suffered an ankle injury.

Germany’s Cinkara, 22-0 (18 KOs), was set to meet Australia’s Opetaia, 26-0 (20 KOs), at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, before he injured the ankle. According to promoters, doctors have confirmed ligament damage, which will keep Cinkara out of the ring for the next three months or so.

Promoters Tasman Fighters, Matchroom and Goldstar Promotions say the card will continue as planned – with Opetaia in the main event, but with a new challenger due to be announced early next week.

“It’s unfortunate that Huseyin won’t be able to compete, but we’re close to securing a replacement,” said Michael Francis, of Tasman Fighters. “We are currently negotiating with several top-ranked boxers from within the IBF rankings and expect to announce Jai’s next opponent by Monday. Fans can rest assured this will remain an exciting and high-stakes fight. Eddie Hearn and Spencer Brown have been fantastic in working through this situation with the IBF and other potential opponents.”

Opetaia, who toppled Maris Breidis in 2022 to take his cruiserweight belt and who has successfully defended it on three occasions since (including in a rematch with Breidis), says he isn’t bothered by the 11th-hour change.

“This is part of boxing,” Opetaia said. “I’m not worried. I’ll be more than ready for whoever accepts the challenge. I’m here to prove I’m the best, no matter who’s standing across from me.”