Jai Opetaia Retains IBF Cruiserweight Title with Knockout of Claudio Squeo

Jai Opetaia successfully defended his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles with a dominant fifth-round knockout of Claudio Squeo in Australia, extending his undefeated record to 28 fights. Opetaia displayed patience and precision, landing a damaging uppercut in the third round and a punishing body shot in the fourth before delivering a decisive right hook that fractured Squeo's jaw, who subsequently underwent surgery. Despite the brutal outcome, Squeo expressed deep respect for Opetaia, praising his sportsmanship and the care he received from Opetaia's team after the fight. Opetaia emphasized his ambition to unify the cruiserweight division, calling out WBO and WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez for a potential next bout. The victory highlights Opetaia's status as a dominant force in the cruiserweight division and his growing stature in Australian boxing, which is experiencing a surge in popularity and commercial support. Additionally, Japanese bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani secured a notable win, setting up a potential blockbuster fight with Naoya Inoue in the future.