Jai Opetaia Vs. Huseyin Cinkara Breakdown

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 12:32 AM ET

IBF Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia is set to defend his title against mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara on Saturday, as look at how the fight could play out.

The fight is Opetaia’s third title defense of 2025, having secured wins over David Nyika and Claudio Squeo, respectively. Jai had been linked with a fight against the WBO and WBA Cruiserweight Champion Zurdo Ramirez in a unification. However, that is now off the table as Zurdo will face David Benavidez on May 2. Opetaia has accused Zurdo of ducking, which is why it is vital he wins to secure that fight in the future. Meanwhile, Cinkara has his first shot at a world title. He is undefeated with a 23-0 record, which includes 19 knockouts. He has stopped his last three opponents, the latest of which was against Juan Diaz in April.

Pre-Fight

“This is a very important fight for my career and losing is not an option. I’m prepared for 12 rounds of war. Let’s do it. Cinkara’s got nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. But we’re prepared. Whatever he brings, we’ve got an answer to. How tough is he? Let’s find out on Saturday,” Opetaia said

“I’ve worked very hard for this fight and I’m ready to go. Jai is the best fighter out there in the cruiserweight division. But I’ve come here prepared and with all my belief in myself, I’m going to bring it to the fight come Saturday night. We’re both going to bring our best game, and the best man will win, and that’s going to be me,” Cinkara stated

The Approach

Opetaia’s plan will be distance control. He will use his footwork to stay just outside Cinkara’s striking range, using lateral movement and pivots to frustrate the German. He must deny Cinkara the chance to plant his feet and unleash his right hand. Opetaia will leverage his southpaw stance to dominate the lead foot position, taking away Cinkara’s power right hand and setting up Opetaia’s straight left cross and hook. Opetaia has proven his championship pedigree by going the distance with Mairis Briedis, but his recent wins over David Nyika and Claudio Squeo came via knockout.

Cinkara is a heavy-handed fighter, who must close the distance quickly and commit to working the body early, throwing powerful hooks and uppercuts to slow down the champion’s lateral movement. Cinkara will need to smother Opetaia’s work, tying him up after combinations and minimizing the distance in the exchanges. By staying close and making the fight ugly, Cinkara hopes to test Opetaia’s durability. As an orthodox fighter facing a southpaw, Cinkara’s straight right hand and overhand right will be his weapons.