Boxing

Jai Opetaia’s Next Fight Could See The Dominant Cruiserweight King Face Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez In Unification Clash After Claudio Squeo Bout

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Paul Kelly
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Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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Published10 Apr 2025

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The Jai Opetaia next fight has been confirmed, with the 27-0 world cruiserweight king taking on unbeaten challenger Claudio Squeo in his next fight on the Gold Coast. After his next fight, could the Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez unification happen before the end of the year?

Jai Opetaia Next Fight: Cruiserweight King Set For Claudio Squeo World Title Defence

Boxing fans are already looking forward to Jai Opetaia’s next fight, following his four round destruction of David Nyika in his last fight in his home country of Australian.

Jai Opetaia’s next fight has now been confirmed, with the unbeaten Aussie powerhouse facing 17-0 Claudio Squeo on June 8th.

Opetaia, who currently boasts a record of 27-0 with 21 knockouts, was last in action as he defended his Ring Magazine & IBF World Cruiserweight Titles against New Zealand’s David Nyika on January 8th.

Opetaia defeated Nyika via emphatic stoppage in Round 4 of their world title fight, with the unbeaten Aussie knocking Nyika out in chilling fashion. The 29-year-old has further solidified himself as the single best cruiserweight in the world.

For Jai Opetaia’s next fight, the Australian fighter will go in as the overriding favourite with the best UK betting sites to win against Claudio Squeo. Not only is Opetaia expected to win the fight, but he is tipped to win it in devastating fashion via knockout.

After the Squeo fight on June 8th, the Jai Opetaia next fight could finally be the one we are all hoping for. A cruiserweight unification bout with ‘Zurdo’ would undoubtedly determine who the best 200-pound fighter is in the world.

Many believe that Opetaia would stop Ramirez, but Oscar De La Hoya is confident his man would beat the IBF champion.

Jai Opetaia could well be the best 200-pound fighter on the planet. Boxing fans will hopefully find this out once and for all in the next 12 months. All roads lead to unifications next for Jai Opetaia after his next fight against Claudio Squeo.

Could Jai Opetaia’s Next Fight After Squeo Be The Zurdo Ramirez Unification?

Although unconfirmed, there has been a lot of speculation that a fight with WBO & WBA champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez could be on the cards next.

Provided the unbeaten Aussie gets through his IBF World Cruiserweight Title defence against Claudio Squeo unscathed on May 13th, he could well fight ‘Zurdo’ before the end of the year.

Although not an undisputed clash, that fight would undoubtedly determine who the single best cruiserweight on the planet is. Opetaia himself has called for the fight, with Ramirez seemingly open to it as well.

If Opetaia wins against Claudio Squeo in his next fight and ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez perhaps has another fight in the next few months, then an autumn or winter clash before the end of the year would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights of 2025.

The best boxing betting sites would likely favour Opetaia against Ramirez, but only just. There are the two single best cruiserweight fighters in the world by quite some distance. Boxing fans simply need to see that fight.

Fingers crossed Jai Opetaia’s next fight after his IBF World Cruiserweight Title defence against the 17-0 unbeaten Claudio Squeo is a unification with Gilbero ‘Zurdo’ Ramrez.

Will We See Jai Opetaia Move Up To Heavyweight After Conquering Cruiserweight Division?

Should Jai Opetaia get past Claudio Squeo in his next fight and perhaps ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez before the end of the year, his days as a cruiserweight could well be numbered. A move to heavyweight could be realistic for the 27-0 Australian powerhouse in 2026.

Although he wouldn’t be the biggest heavyweight in the world, the Aussie most definitely has the frame and physique to content with the big boys.

Oleksandr Usyk is a perfect example of how size doesn’t always matter in a boxing ring. Despite being a far smaller man, Usyk beat both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice as well as Daniel Dubois – all who are far bigger men than he is.

The great Ukrainian could be somewhat of an inspiration for Opetaia, who could well make the move up to heavyweight next year. If he does, you can guaranteed he will fight for a version of the world heavyweight title within a couple of bouts.

Opetaia’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has already alluded to the fact that a move for Jai Opetaia to heavyweight is highly likely. Whether it happens this year or not remains to be seen, but it certainly isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

If His Excellency Turki Alalshikh continues with his heavy involvement in boxing, rest assured he will give Jai Opetaia plenty of opportunities. Opetaia is reportedly Alalshikh’s favourite fighter, so the Saudi Arabian boxing chief would be likely to pull some strings for the 29-year-old.

These big fights are all meaningless though unless Opetaia’s next fight is another victory and he continues on his path to greatness.

Be sure to claim the various boxing betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of Jai Opetaia’s next fight.

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Author photo
Paul Kelly
Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

Get to know Paul Kelly better
Author photo
Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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