Jai Opetaia stuck in neutral with Cinkara mandatory — eyes 2026 unifications and a Benavidez blockbuster

0Opetaia is targeting a unification run in 2026 against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (WBA/WBO) and Badou Jack (WBC). Ramirez has been sidelined following shoulder surgery, while Jack still owes a rematch with Noel Mikaelian after their majority draw in May-timelines that pushed Opetaia toward another defense rather than the marquee nights he’s chasing.

Benavidez at cruiserweight? Opetaia says yes

Beyond unifications, Opetaia floated a fan-friendly crossover with David Benavidez, the current WBC light heavyweight titleholder who has mused about moving up.

“We want to fight Benavidez—let’s do it,” Opetaia said. “Once we tick that box, who knows? Maybe the heavyweight chapter starts then… I’m not chasing the money. I’m chasing the dream… I’ve had a dream to become undisputed my whole life, and that’s what I am going to become.”

The Cinkara question

Cinkara is 40 and undefeated, but largely untested at the elite level making him a sizeable underdog on paper. The matchup fits a recent pattern for Opetaia: elite title wins bookending stay-busy blowouts.

Opetaia’s recent run

• Mairis Briedis — two razor-edged decision wins (2022, 2024) that cemented his #1 status at 200 lbs

• Comfortable stoppages vs Jordan Thompson, Ellis Zorro, Jack Massey, David Nyika, Claudio Squeo in between

Another emphatic defense won’t change the resume headlines, but it keeps Opetaia active, sharp, and positioned for first-quarter 2026 unifications the moment Ramirez and Jack are cleared. A Benavidez showdown would supercharge the division and, down the line, a measured move to heavyweight remains on Opetaia’s long-term roadmap.

By the numbers

• Titles: Ring, IBF cruiserweight — Opetaia

• Records: Opetaia 28–0 (22 KOs); Cinkara 23–0 (19 KOs)

• Date/Location: Dec. 6, 2025 — Queensland, Australia

• Stakes: IBF mandatory defense; pound-for-pound positioning ahead of 2026 unification push

Three things to watch (Dec. 6)

1. Body work & pace: Opetaia’s mid-round pressure typically breaks opponents—can Cinkara cope at 40?

2. Discipline vs. risk: With bigger fights looming, expect clinical, low-drama rounds from the champion.

3. Post-fight messaging: Listen for firm dates and dance partners Ramirez, Jack, or a curveball like Benavidez.

Without a doubt Opetaia’s stuck in a holding pattern for one more night. Handle business in Queensland, and 2026 could deliver the unification—and star-making crossover he’s been demanding.