Opetaia completely outclassed Glanton, collecting the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight world title in his pursuit to become the undisputed champion



There can only be one first, and his name is Jai Opetaia. Boxing's top cruiserweight captured the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight world championship with a masterclass against Brandon Glanton on Sunday.

Opetaia entered Zuffa Boxing 04 as the consensus best cruiserweight on Earth. He underscored that fact, pitching a near-perfect game on Sunday. His only blemish was a point deduction for holding in Round 11, which came after two previous penalties Glanton drew. All three judges scored the fight 119-106 in favor of Opetaia, who successfully defended The Ring cruiserweight title while winning the Zuffa crown.

Glanton tried to corner Opetaia early, but couldn't get ahead of Opetaia's movement. The Australian star stung him repeatedly with a piston-like left hand. Once Opetaia settled into the fight, he welcomed close-quarters combat. Most of the fight took place at close range. Both men ripped to the head and body, with Opetaia landing more volume, usually with more power. Glanton became increasingly frustrated as the fight progressed, jaw-jacking Opetaia and barreling into him. However, Glanton couldn't cover the skill gap with brute force or provocations.

Opetaia adds another title to his trophy case, but he's further from his goal to become an undisputed champion. Opetaia signed with Zuffa Boxing after well-deserved title unification fights eluded him. He sees Zuffa Boxing as his avenue to unifying titles. However, boxing politics reared its head the weekend of his title fight.

On Friday, Opetaia confirmed that he'd defend the IBF cruiserweight championship, which was displayed alongside his Ring cruiserweight title at the Zuffa Boxing 04 press conference. The next day, the IBF announced it would strip Opetaia of the IBF cruiserweight title if he stepped into the Zuffa Boxing ring on Sunday. Opetaia, who paid the required sanctioning fees to the IBF, per Zuffa promoter Dana White, made the walk anyway.

Post-fight, Opetaia confirmed his goals are unchanged. He wouldn't humor a potential move to heavyweight or focus on who he'd fight next. Instead, his singular goal is to become the undisputed champion.

Opetaia improved to a perfect 30-0 on Sunday. Glanton dropped to 21-4.

CBS Sports was with you throughout the entire way on Sunday with live results and highlights below.

Zuffa Boxing 04 fight card, results
o Jai Opetaia (c) def. Brandon Glanton via unanimous decision (119-106, 119-106, 119-106)
o Ricardo Salas def. Jesus Saracho via eighth-round TKO
o Pablo Rubio Jr. def. Adan Palma via unanimous decision (77-73, 77-73, 76-74)

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Posted by Temmy
Mon, March 09, 2026 4:07pm