(October 2nd) Gold Coast cruiserweight world champion, Jai Opetaia will defend his Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight world titles against mandatory challenger Huseyin "Hurricane" Cinkara on December 6 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia.

The bout arrives 11 months after their originally scheduled January meeting was postponed due to an ankle injury sustained by Cinkara.

A 2012 Olympian, Opetaia, 30, enters the contest with an unblemished record of 28-0, including 22 knockouts. The Gold Coast native last defended his titles in June 2025, stopping Italy's Claudio Squeo in the fifth round. The champion has expressed ambitions to unify the cruiserweight division and has called out fellow titleholder Gilberto Ramirez earlier this year.

Cinkara, 40, of Istanbul, Turkey, brings an undefeated record of 23-0 with 19 knockouts into his first world title opportunity. The challenger has yet to face world-class opposition and will be making his return from the injury that sidelined their previous matchup.

The event, promoted by Mick Francis, Tasman Fighters, is expected to feature Brisbane heavyweight contender Justis "JPH" Huni in the co-main event. Huni will be returning to the ring following his tenth-round knockout loss to undefeated British heavyweight Fabio Wardley.

The card is tentatively scheduled to include several Australian prospects: Brisbane super middleweight Max McIntyre (8-0, 7 KOs), Gold Coast super welterweight Ben Mahoney (15-0-1, 8 KOs), and Gold Coast light heavyweight Jack Gregory (7-1, 2 KOs).

Tasman Fighters is a boxing management and promotional company established in 2017. Based in Australia the company manages a small elite team of Australian and New Zealand professional and amateur fighters, including IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia. They focus on investing wisely in their fighters to give them the best chance to win world titles in their divisions.

Tasman Fighters have staged major events broadcast live on FOX Sports Australia and promote boxing as a growing sport in the region. They recently entered a global co-promotional partnership with Matchroom Boxing, expanding their fighters' opportunities on the world stage. The company is led by manager Michael Francis and supported by a dedicated team handling public relations, sponsorship development, and fighter liaison.

Tasman Fighters emphasize quality over quantity, producing high-profile fight cards featuring their stable of fighters in Australia and internationally. They aim to develop local boxing talent and create pathways for global success while maintaining a close-knit team atmosphere.