JAI OPETAIA will make the third defence of his IBF cruiserweight world title on May 13 against Claudio Squeo.
Determined to stay busy rather than hang around for unification bouts Opetaia, 27-0 (21 KOs), will return to the Gold Coast Convention Centre for the second time in 2025. On January 8 the champion faced David Nyika and won with a chilling fourth round knockout which reminded everyone how dangerous a competitor Opetaia is.
Next up is unbeaten Italian Squeo, 17-0 (9 KOs), who comes to the table with no 12-round fights under his belt and no notable wins. Quoted in the fight’s press release Opetaia’s manager Michael Francis said none of the other IBF contenders wanted to take on his man.
“Nobody wants to share the ring with Jai Opetaia. We contacted every team of each fighter ranked in the IBF ratings, and they all declined. Squeo jumped at the opportunity. That tells you everything you need to know about him.”
The IBF cruiserweight rankings are not stacked with fighters who present a considerable threat to Opetaia’s reign. Squeo, the 14th ranked contender, fought twice in 2024 beating Niklas Rasanen on points to win a IBF ranking belt and then six months later stopped the overmatched Orlando de Jesus Estrada in a rust-shaking exercise for the Italian.
“This for me is the pinnacle that any boxer aspires to,” Squeo said of his title challenge.
“It is a childhood dream come true. I have dedicated my entire life to boxing—sacrifices, sacrifices, and a lot of commitment.
“Jai Opetaia is a champion and deserves a lot of respect. He is a complete boxer. However, we all have strengths and weaknesses.
“I will fight far from home, but in Australia, there is a strong community of Italians who I am sure will come to support me. I have friends in Sydney who will come to cheer for me and watch me take the belts home to Italy!”
Opetaia is widely considered the best cruiserweight in the world although unified champion Gilberto Ramirez may say otherwise. At some point this year Opetaia will hope to face Ramirez or WBC champion Badou Jack in his bid to become undisputed at 200lbs.
“I can’t wait to fight on the Gold Coast again,” Opetaia enthused. “The support here is incredible, and it fuels me to perform at my best. Staying active is crucial for me as I wait for the other champions to step up for a unification fight.”
“I’m expecting a tough fight from Squeo. He’s an all-action fighter from the opening bell, and I respect what he brings to the table. Fans can expect fireworks on fight night.”
