Opetaia vs. Squeo: Cruiserweight Title Defense
- Jai Opetaia, the IBF and Ring magazine cruiserweight champion, is set to defend his title next Sunday against Claudio Squeo at Broadbeach.
- By 16, he represented Australia at the London Olympics, the youngest boxer in the nation's history.
- The 29-year-old captured the world title in 2022, defeating Mairis Briedis despite a broken jaw.
Jai Opetaia, the IBF adn Ring magazine cruiserweight champion, is gearing up too defend his title against Claudio Squeo on June 8 at Broadbeach. The fourth-generation boxer, known for his power punching, looks to continue his undefeated streak. The upcoming fight presents a risk, as a loss coudl derail a highly anticipated unification bout with Gilberto Ramirez. Opetaia, with a 27-0 record, is known for knocking out opponents. Facing a young, undefeated, yet untested opponent, Opetaia aims to solidify his status as a top name, inspiring young fighters with his Pacific Islander heritage. He’s also targeting future bouts with Ramirez. News Directory 3 will follow as the story develops. Will Opetaia make quick work of Squeo, or will an upset shift the landscape of boxing? Discover what’s next…
Jai opetaia Defends Title, Eyes Gilberto Ramirez Unification Bout
Updated June 01, 2025
Jai Opetaia, the IBF and Ring magazine cruiserweight champion, is set to defend his title next Sunday against Claudio Squeo at Broadbeach. For Opetaia, a fourth-generation boxer, fighting is a family tradition. His father, Tapu, remains his coach.
Opetaia’s boxing journey began at age 8. By 16, he represented Australia at the London Olympics, the youngest boxer in the nation’s history. That experience, battling older, stronger heavyweights, honed his technique and boxing IQ.
The 29-year-old captured the world title in 2022, defeating Mairis Briedis despite a broken jaw. He has since defended his belts five times, with four wins by knockout. Boasting a 27-0 record, opetaia is known as a devastating power puncher, tho he maintains a low profile outside the ring.
Squeo,his upcoming opponent,is undefeated but considered a meaningful underdog,having never fought outside Italy. Despite the odds, the fight presents a risk to Opetaia. A loss could jeopardize a potential unification bout with Gilberto Ramirez, who holds the WBA and WBO belts. This fight could be part of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford card in September.
for opetaia, this opportunity could solidify his status as one of boxing’s biggest names. He sees it as a chance for an Australian and Pacific Islander to compete on a major stage,inspiring young fighters.
Opetaia believes Ramirez has avoided fighting him, strategically seeking easier paths to retain his titles. He emphasized that the path to being the best cruiserweight boxer involves beating him.
“I want to be known as the best fighter in the world,not a trash talker. My last name is a privilege to have so the way I carry it is everything.”
What’s next
Opetaia is focused on his upcoming fight against Squeo,but a future bout with Gilberto Ramirez for cruiserweight unification remains a key goal. He aims to secure his legacy as the best in the division.