Opetaia KOs Cinkara, Retains IBF Title in Round 8

Jai Opetaia responded to Cinkara’s attempt with a forceful left, leading to Cinkara’s immediate defeat.

It was a conclusive knockout. Cinkara displayed no movement, with medical personnel swiftly attending to him. This decisive victory came after a challenging encounter for Opetaia.

The seventh round initiated with a connection from Opetaia’s left. Throughout this round, Opetaia found success with left-handed strikes. When Opetaia aimed for solid hits at close range, Cinkara evaded and countered. Opetaia needed to aim for the body or from a distance, as he struggled to capitalize at close quarters. Cinkara’s energy reserves appeared depleted from approximately the fourth round, yet he continued fighting through sheer determination and instinct, still presenting challenges for Opetaia. A notable left from Opetaia to the lower body concluded the seventh.

Score: 10-9 Opetaia, cumulative: 69-64 Opetaia

Cinkara’s jab has resulted in swelling around Jai Opetaia’s right eye. Early in the sixth, a solid left by Opetaia forced Cinkara to retreat. Cinkara managed to evade Opetaia’s subsequent strike, delivering a counter-attack. Cinkara landed a powerful left. Opetaia responded with a series of three blows. Opetaia consistently targeted the body with lefts, gradually wearing down Cinkara. The first half of this title fight concluded with a forceful left from Opetaia.

Score: 10-9 Opetaia, cumulative: 59-55 Opetaia

Early in the fifth, Opetaia was struck by Cinkara’s extended right. The Australian’s attempted overhand left fell short. Cinkara was then forced against the ropes following a left. As the round approached its midpoint, a swift right counter caught Opetaia. Opetaia seemed to be pushing too forcefully for a knockout, which was to his detriment. The champion then landed a powerful left. Cinkara evaded another left at that moment. The commentators acknowledged Cinkara’s effective counter-punching as Opetaia advanced. However, the German appeared to be losing stamina.

Score: 10-9 Opetaia, cumulative: 49-46 Opetaia

Cinkara opened the fourth with a strong right, but Opetaia quickly countered with a powerful strike of his own. In the closing minute, Cinkara led Opetaia into a right, though it lacked force. As Opetaia sought a significant blow, the audience rallied in support. Cinkara largely struggled to match Opetaia’s agility, but he effectively kept Opetaia on his toes.

Score: 10-9 Opetaia, cumulative: 39-37 Opetaia

Entering the third round: Has Opetaia regained his composure? He initiated aggressively. Opetaia used his right to occupy Cinkara. Before the round’s midpoint, Opetaia executed a combination of a right hook followed by a left. Cinkara began to feel the force of Opetaia’s strikes, and the body shots from the Australian were clearly effective. Cinkara spent a significant portion of the latter half of the round against the ropes, enduring strong blows from Opetaia.

Score: 10-9 Opetaia, cumulative: 29-28 Opetaia

Advancing into the second frame. Opetaia connects with a few lefts early in the round. Opetaia presses forward, applying pressure to Cinkara. Cinkara counters with a left hook, but Opetaia’s left appeared to pack more power. Opetaia continues to target the body with his left, masking the forceful shot intended for higher. A SOLID left from Opetaia at the two-minute mark snaps Cinkara’s head back. Cinkara responds with a right counter, and OPETAIA IS STAGGERED!

Score: 10-9 Cinkara, cumulative: 19-19

Opetaia displays quick footwork early on, seeking to land a left down the center from his southpaw stance. Opetaia fakes with his lead hand. Cinkara is cautious early, adopting a similar strategy. Cinkara attempts a straight right, but it falls short. Opetaia then tries a left from above, also without success. A straight left connects for Opetaia in the final half-minute, followed by a body shot.

Score: 10-9 Opetaia

The stage is set for the main event of this evening in the Gold Coast.

Jai Opetaia is poised to defend his IBF cruiserweight title against Huseyin Cinkara, the mandatory challenger.

Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs), celebrated as the leading cruiserweight globally, aims to defend his world title for the fifth time. The Australian boxer famously upset Mairis Briedis in July 2022, capturing the IBF crown. He reinforced his champion status with another victory over Briedis in May 2024, marking his third fight for 2025 this Saturday.

Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) was originally scheduled to confront Opetaia in January but had to withdraw due to an ankle injury during training, leading to Nyika replacing him at short notice. The German fighter, currently based in Turkey, became the mandatory challenger following his second-round victory over Armend Xhoxhaj in April 2024. His most recent ring appearance was this past April, where he defeated Juan Diaz in the first round.

A series of blows—a left hook, a right uppercut, and an overhand right—sent Jed Morris tumbling in the last 40 seconds of Round 4. Though Morris managed to stand, his corner chose to end the match. The uppercut proved most damaging and offered a replay-worthy moment.

McIntyre methodically wore down his opponent with body shots and close-quarters combinations. While Morris put up a fight, he was eventually overpowered. McIntyre’s uppercut and left hook proved effective during the match.