Jai Opetaia survived a fierce second-round scare and unleashed a brutal left hook to stop Huseyin Cinkara in another commanding cruiserweight world title defence. The Ring and IBF champion ended the previously unbeaten German’s challenge in round eight on the Gold Coast. Opetaia shook off two hard rights that staggered him in round two and set up a wide, punishing left hand that left the 40-year-old flat on the canvas for several minutes. The Australian delivered his third ruthless stoppage at the Convention and Exhibition Centre this year, pushed his record to 29-0, and again targeted unification bouts for next year. Cinkara made him work early and slowed after taking body shots in round four.
Frustration Fuels His Unification Push
Opetaia admitted he needed the early scare and said it brought a necessary dose of humility. He criticised his own performance and insisted he wanted improvement despite securing his eighth win since first claiming his titles. He expressed anger over his mistakes but vowed to move forward with greater strength, speed, and purpose. He repeated his demand for unification fights and said he had chased those belts for a long time. Cinkara, speaking through a translator after standing up, praised Opetaia as the best cruiserweight in the world and said he arrived prepared for war but recognised why Opetaia ranks number one.
Undercard Fighters Make Statements
Jason Moloney and Max McIntyre scored stoppage victories over Herlan Gomez and Jed Morris, delivering strong statements earlier in the evening. Paul Fleming and Jake Wyllie had to settle for a draw in Fleming’s first fight in nearly three years. One judge backed Fleming, one backed Wyllie, and one scored it even, leaving both boxers frustrated. Fleming insisted he deserved the win and highlighted the challenge of returning after a long layoff and moving up two weight classes.
Moloney ended a two-fight skid with an emphatic win and announced his plans to return to the top. He floored Gomez late in round one with a rapid flurry before the referee stopped the fight in round four. The 34-year-old had won and lost a WBO world title across the United States, Canada, and Tokyo since his last appearance in Australia more than three years ago. After a successful debut with Tasman Fighters, he said he believed he could reclaim world glory next year. His twin brother Andrew will fight for the IBF super flyweight world title next year. Jason thanked Tasman Fighters for renewed opportunities and said hard work and constant activity would help him and his brother chase world titles in the coming year.
