Lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will return to action on May 13 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Australia, live on DAZN. The event will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Tasman Fighters and will be the third defence of his IBF strap. The fearsome Aussie will face Claudio Squeo (17-0, 9 KOs). Following this announcement, Opetaia and Hearn have spoken about their frustrations and plans for the future.
Jai Opetaia Set for May 13 Title Defence Against Claudio Squeo
Jai Opetaia Frustrated by Lack of Unification Fights
Opetaia returns to action on May 13 and will be eager to continue the impressive start to 2025, which saw him destroy David Nyika. A fight against the largely unknown Squeo will not get the pulses racing among boxing fans and it’s clear Opetaia has his targets set much higher.
The 29-year-old southpaw has made it clear he desires the biggest fights possible, with unification fights at the top of his list. A bout against WBO/WBA titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez has been spoken about by many including both boxers.
Opetaia has made it clear he’s not happy with the level of his opponent on May 13: “To be honest, it’s a bit frustrating,” said the undefeated Australian.
“I’ve been chasing these unifications. I’ve been chasing the Zurdo fight and still it hasn’t come. I don’t know why. It’s bullshit. The best should be fighting the best. It doesn’t make sense to me why it’s not getting over the line. The only reason would be he’s ducking. We’re really pushing for these unification fights but I can only do so much,” said the Australian regarding his frustration of not being able to face Ramirez.
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Despite chasing unification fights, Opetaia is adamant he’s not taking Squeo lightly: “So this is another stay busy fight, which I’m not taking lightly,” said Opetaia.
“(Squeo) is nothing special, nothing I haven’t seen before. It’s another day in the office, but I’m chasing Zurdo. This guy (Squeo) is in the way. We’ve got to remove him and keep pushing for these unifications. It’s frustrating.
“We want to fight the best in the division and it just makes sense. I don’t know why we’re dancing around. I’ll take a pay cut. I’ll do what I have to do to get this fight over the line. Just give me the belt.”
Eddie Hearn Talks Activity for Jai Opetaia
Teasing big fights, Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “We know the big fights are coming — Zurdo and the plan is to become undisputed and unified.”
“But this guy (Opetaia) wants to stay busy and the event in the Gold Coast in January was wild. We want to be back there defending the world title in May and it’s important to look good before trying to pick up those other belts by the end of 2025.
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“I really want him to fight frequently this year. We want the Zurdo Ramirez fight but also (WBC titleholder) Badou Jack is fighting (Ryan) Rozicki coming up soon as well (on May 3 in Riyadh) and that’s another fight (against the winner) we’ve got to get to get all the belts before the inevitable move up to the big boys (at heavyweight).”
Despite the frustration regarding the level of the opponent on May 13, Jai Opetaia will be ready and determined to deliver another statement win before moving on to bigger fights later in 2025.
