Jai Opetaia has vented his frustrations after cruiserweight rival, Gilberto Ramirez seemingly chose a different path.
Opetaia, the IBF champion, has been targeting a unification with either WBA and WBO titlist, Ramirez or WBC holder, Badou Jack.
However, the chances of landing a showdown with Ramirez appear to have lowered significantly after WBC light heavyweight champion, David Benavidez announced he would move up in weight to challenge the Mexican on May 2 in Las Vegas, following his win over Anthony Yarde on Saturday.
Opetaia, who defends his title against mandatory challenger, Huseyin Cinkara on December 6 in his native Australia, admits he’s been left frustrated by the announcement.
“I’ve been waiting for the unification fights for years,” the unbeaten 30-year-old said.
“I’m sick of the excuses.
“None of these other champions are in a hurry to face me — and we all know why.”
Jack is set to defend his WBC crown in a rematch with Norair Mikaeljan on December 13 in Los Angeles.
Ramirez, 34, defended his belts with a unanimous decision win over Yuniel Dorticos in June and Opetaia’s promoter, Mick Francis claims ‘Zurdo’ requested $8m to face his charge.
“Let’s be real: all roads at Cruiserweight go through Jai Opetaia,” Francis said.
“This Ramirez–Benavidez fight is nothing more than a contest to see who’s the SECOND-best Cruiserweight in the world.
“Zurdo’s camp had the nerve to demand US$8 million to fight Jai.
No matter who they fight, they ain’t the best in the division until they get through me! #ANDSTILL pic.twitter.com/JzabrKh31L
— Jai Opetaia (@jaiopetaia1) November 23, 2025
“They might as well have said, ‘No chance — we don’t want that smoke.’ That would’ve been more honest.
“Jai isn’t chasing money — he’s chasing greatness. He wants these guys to grow some balls and step up.”
Ramirez underwent shoulder surgery after his victory over Dorticos and according to Ring Magazine, is set to return on January 16 against Robin Safar, before proceeding to a Benavidez bout.
Prior to fighting Dorticos, ‘Zurdo’ claimed that he would face Opetaia next.
“Jai Opetaia’s been saying I don’t want to fight him,” he told media in May.
“But it’s not like what he says.
“I had the mandatory, that’s why I’m doing the fight and that’s it.
“I will take care of him after this fight.”
