In a thrilling, back-and-forth war, IBF World Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia showcased both his vulnerability and his devastating power, eventually stopping the game challenger Huseyin Cinkara via a sensational eighth-round knockout at the Nissan Arena.
The fight, broadcast live to a global audience, delivered drama from the opening bell as both warriors came out swinging with bad intentions. Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) used his superior movement and sharp jab to control the first round, but Cinkara (18-1, 13 KOs) signaled early this would be no easy defense.
Cinkara Rocks the Champion: A Moment of Crisis
The narrative shifted dramatically in the second round. A defiant Cinkara marched forward, absorbing Opetaia’s straight shots to land his own. With under a minute left, he detonated a thunderous right hand that sent Opetaia stumbling across the ring. While the champion didn’t touch the canvas, the punch visibly shook him, proving Cinkara’s power was a serious threat to the title reign.
“He caught me clean,” Opetaia would later admit. “I had to reset and be smart.”
The Champion’s Adjustment and Relentless Onslaught
Regrouping in the third, Opetaia fought more cautiously, using feints and lateral movement. By the midpoint, he regained his rhythm, landing crisp combinations that began to drain the challenger’s energy. The fourth and fifth rounds turned into a punishing display of Opetaia’s pressure. He walked Cinkara down with powerful shots, forcing the veteran into constant clinches just to survive.
By the fifth, an exhausted Cinkara was repeatedly wobbled and spent long periods with his hands down, relying on pure heart to remain upright. He managed a brief respite in the final minute, using his reach effectively, but the damage was mounting.
Opetaia methodically cut off the ring in the sixth and seventh. Finally, in the eighth round, he set the finishing trap. A series of sharp jabs froze Cinkara, and Opetaia unleashed a monstrous left hook that landed flush on the challenger’s jaw. Cinkara collapsed to the canvas, out cold before he hit the mat, prompting an immediate stoppage.
Post-Fight Analysis and What’s Next for Opetaia
The victory was a statement of resilience for Opetaia, who overcame a near-knockdown and a cut over his eye to score a highlight-reel finish.
“Huseyin is a tough, tough man. He brought the fight and caught me with a great shot,” said Opetaia in the post-fight interview. “But champions adjust. We stuck to the plan, broke him down, and found the finish. I want the biggest fights possible—the other champions, the big names. Let’s unify this division.”
The win solidifies Opetaia’s place as one of the most exciting champions in boxing. However, the brief scare against Cinkara and the eye damage sustained will be topics of discussion. For the fans, the hope is for a quick recovery, as a healthy Jai Opetaia is a must-see attraction poised for superfights.
Result: Jai Opetaia def. Huseyin Cinkara via KO (Left Hook) at 1:33 of Round 8 to retain the IBF World Cruiserweight Title.
