IBF cruiserweight champion Jay Opetaya (22-0, 17 KOs) has requested a two-month extension of his mandatory defense against Mateusz Masternak (47-5, 31 KOs). The request was sent to the International Boxing Federation on February 14, the reason is “health condition”, writes
Fightnews.
As for health, it is not specified. Probably rehabilitation after
surgery on the left hand.
The IBF has approved the request of its heavyweight champion, which means that the extension will now expire on June 1, in accordance with rule 5.D.3 of the organization’s bylaws.
The federation should order Opetai to start negotiations for a mandatory title defense around April 1, which is sixty days before the fight.
Riakpore: “Opetaya! I will come for you»
Last summer, Jay, the offender of Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) in the championship fight, got drunk and rowdy: he insulted the cops, urinated in the station.
In July 2022, Opetaya quite sensationally beat the then division leader, 38-year-old Latvian Russophile politician Mairis Briedis, taking the IBF belt from him. The Australian’s coach later revealed that his fighter broke his jaw in the 2nd round. Briedis, who will not be given a (fight) by Jake Paul, strongly wants a rematch.
Opetaya wanted his first title defense against compatriot Jason Whately (10-0, 9 KOs), but his grandfather beat him.
