Teddy Atlas has voiced his opinion following the surprise announcement that IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia has signed with Zuffa Boxing.
The Dana White–Turki Alalshikh-backed venture is set to launch later this year, with Irish super-welterweight Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) headlining an inaugural card against Carlos Ocampo (38-3, 26 KOs) featuring 10 unbeaten fighters at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
Zuffa Boxing is already pressing ahead with further events in the first quarter of 2026, including a heavyweight main event on February 14 between Efe Ajagba and former world champion Charles Martin.
Securing Opetaia’s signature represents a major coup. The Australian is widely regarded as one of the two best cruiserweights in the world — alongside WBA champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez — and one of the division’s most destructive punchers, with 23 knockouts in 29 professional victories.
Atlas, one of boxing’s most respected analysts and the long-time voice behind The Fight podcast, reacted to the news on X by drawing a warning from another sport.
“I guess they will do as they did with golf and other sports and buy up the stars one by one.”
Atlas was referencing LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia–funded men’s professional tour backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which launched in 2022 in direct competition with the established PGA Tour. LIV’s arrival sparked significant controversy, most notably drawing criticism from major champions including Rory McIlroy, before reshaping the professional golf landscape by signing many of the world’s leading players.
What that model might look like in boxing remains unclear. White has repeatedly stated that he has no interest in working with the sport’s four major sanctioning bodies, yet Opetaia made his own ambitions clear in a video announcing the deal.
“Signed with Zuffa Boxing now. Pumped for the future. Exciting times. Let’s get these big fights over the line. Unification, undisputed soon. Let’s go.”
That message has only added to the uncertainty surrounding Zuffa’s long-term intentions, particularly if Opetaia continues to pursue unification in a division governed by traditional sanctioning bodies.
What is beyond doubt, however, is that this is a statement signing — one backed by significant financial muscle — and it may be only the beginning.
I guess they will do as they did with Golf and other sports and buy up the stars one by one
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) January 17, 2026
