Jai Opetaia ended his latest title defence in brutal fashion, sending Huseyin Cinkara crumpling into the ropes and onto the canvas with one left hand.
It was a below par performance from the champion, who was caught and wobbled early in the fight by the 40-year-old challenger. However, even when not performing at his best — he later branded his own efforts as s–t — Opetaia carries the sort of power to change a fight in a second.
Germany’s Cinkara found that out the hard way and lost his challenge by knockout, the first defeat of his career. Though he did make it to his feet in the ring after being seen to by ringside medical staff, he was quickly taken to hospital to undergo tests.
Tasman Fighters has now provided an update on his condition, saying:
“Huseyin Cinkara has been admitted to hospital for a contusion on the brain with a small brain bleed and a slightly fractured C1. No operation needed. Two days observation required. The Tasman Fighters family wishes Huseyin a fast and full recovery.”
Fight fans need no reminder than brain injuries require careful neurological monitoring due to the risk of swelling and further complications. The C1 vertebra is the uppermost bone of the spine that supports the skull and plays a key role in neck stability. The update post on social media was shared by Opetaia, echoing the sentiments wishing his challenger a good outcome. The wider boxing world awaits positive news.
Opetaia called for unification bouts next, and will likely return in a normal timeframe after reports of his own serious orbital bone injury have been played down.
