Australian boxing sensation Jai Opetaia has once again proven his dominance, successfully defending his world cruiserweight titles with a thunderous eighth-round knockout of previously undefeated German challenger Huseyin Cinkara. The fight, held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday night, provided drama early before Opetaia's power prevailed.
Early Scare Sets Stage for Comeback
The champion's night did not start smoothly. In a surprising turn during the second round, Opetaia was visibly staggered by a pair of sharp right hands from the Istanbul-based Cinkara. The moment sent a shockwave through the arena, reminding everyone that the 40-year-old challenger had travelled to Australia with serious intent. Opetaia was forced to regroup, showing resilience to weather the storm.
Reflecting on the early adversity, Opetaia was candid in his post-fight assessment. "I think I needed it," he admitted. "A bit of humble pie, don't get too big for your boots." From that point, the 30-year-old Sydneysider began to methodically break down his opponent. The tide visibly turned in the fourth round as Opetaia's body shots started to sap Cinkara's energy and slow his early momentum.
Merciless Finish Seals the Deal
By the eighth round, Opetaia had set the perfect trap. Feinting to create an opening, he unleashed a wide, concussive left hook that landed cleanly on Cinkara's jaw. The German fighter crashed to the canvas and remained prone for several concerning minutes, underlining the sheer force of the blow. The referee immediately waved off the contest, confirming Opetaia's victory and improving his perfect professional record to 29-0.
This marks Opetaia's third brutal stoppage victory at the same venue this year, cementing his reputation as one of the sport's most fearsome finishers. Despite the win, The Ring and IBF champion was highly critical of his own performance. "I fought like s*** to be honest, but you get these nights," Opetaia stated. "A lot of mistakes and I'm so pissed off, but we got the win and we move forward."
Unification Ambitions for 2025
Now, with another mandatory defence successfully navigated, Opetaia's gaze is firmly fixed on the future. His sole mission is to unify the cruiserweight division. "Watch this space; bigger, stronger and faster," he promised the crowd. "We want the unification fights. I'm just chasing the belts, I've been asking for them for a long time."
The defeated but gracious Cinkara, speaking through a translator after recovering, conceded Opetaia's superiority. "I came here for war, was prepared but there's a reason he's the No.1 cruiserweight in the world," Cinkara said. "I have no doubt he'll take all the belts."
Undercard Action: Moloney Returns with a Statement
On the undercard, bantamweight contender Jason Moloney emphatically ended a two-fight losing skid with a dominant stoppage of Filipino fighter Herlan Gomez. Moloney, a former WBO world champion, floored Gomez late in the first round and continued the assault until the referee intervened in the fourth.
Fighting in Australia for the first time in over three years, and in his debut with new promoters Tasman Fighters, Moloney declared his intention to return to the top. "Hopefully next year, a world title for me and a world title for my brother," he said, referencing his twin Andrew, who is set to challenge for an IBF super flyweight title in 2025.
The night also saw Max McIntyre score a stoppage win, while the comeback fight for Paul Fleming ended in a controversial draw with Jake Wyllie, leaving Fleming furious after nearly three years out of the ring.
